Harbour

Port-en-Bessin

3.4Port-en-Bessin, FranceCôte Fleurie and Alabaster Coast

Maximum length: 25 m
VHF channel: 18
Maximum draught: 4 m

Tidal fishing and yachting harbour on the Bessin coast of Normandy, 69 visitor berths, max draught 4 m.

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Entrance lies between two jetties exposed to NW swell. The lock gives access to the inner wet basin and opens roughly 2 hours either side of high water. Outer harbour dries at low water. Call the lock on VHF 18 before approach. Avoid a NW blow on the last of the ebb.

Practical

Visitor pontoon inside the wet basin, water and electricity on the quay, fuel at the fishing quay. Showers and WC at the harbour office. Bakery, butcher, small supermarket within 300 m. Fish auction every morning on the west quay.

Ashore

Vauban tower of 1694 on the cliff west of the harbour, 10 minutes on foot. Omaha Beach and the American cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer are 6 km east. GR 223 coastal path runs through the port, with cliff walks toward Arromanches at 7 km.

History

Port-en-Bessin has been the leading fresh-fish landing port of Calvados since the 19th century. During Operation Overlord in June 1944 it was captured by British 47 Royal Marine Commando and became the first oil terminal of the PLUTO pipeline supplying Allied forces.