Publication date: 05/29/2024
64 nautical miles. This is the distance separating them, the former being located at the mouth of the Gironde estuary and the latter at the beginning of the Charente river. Both in the immediate vicinity of the Atlantic Ocean, Port Médoc and Port Adhoc Soubise benefit from an excellent location: at Le Verdon-sur-Mer or Soubise, they offer sailors and motorboaters direct access to a formidable sailing basin. But why are these two ports so popular with boaters?
The marina at Port Médoc, on the Gironde estuary
On the left bank of the Gironde estuary, the port of Le Verdon is also known as “Port Médoc“. It’s a marina that’s always afloat, and welcomes some 1,000 boats all year round. Thanks to its strategic location, sailors can take their boats out whenever they like, to enjoy the Gironde estuary or the Atlantic Ocean.
Whether boaters wish to stay for a few days, several weeks or several months, or whether they prefer a year-round site at Port Médoc , they all benefit from exceptional services: video-surveilled areas, secure pontoons accessible via a keypad, water and electricity terminals, a gas station, a laundry, sanitary facilities, a careening and storage area…
In addition to modern, high-quality facilities, boaters also benefit from the presence of numerous nautical professionals at the port of Le Verdon-sur-Mer, to assist them with any maintenance or repair work on their craft.
Port Adhoc Soubise, an above-water port on the Charente river
A dry marina in the Charente-Maritime region, Port Adhoc Soubise is also a prime mooring and storage location for sailors from all horizons. On the Charente River and just a stone’s throw from the Atlantic Ocean – just 5 nautical miles from the mouth of the river – the port also offers a wide range of sailing possibilities. With a capacity of over 200 boats, mainly stored in dry dock using racks or cradles, it appeals to both small and large boat owners: Port Adhoc Soubise can accommodate boats weighing up to 20 tonnes, or measuring up to 53 feet!
Private showers and toilets, yacht club, 24-hour fuel station, boat maintenance and repair companies… Marina users are delighted to find a host of services and amenities.
Navigation from the port of Le Verdon-sur-Mer to the port of Soubise
What about sailing from the first marina to the second? From Port Médoc, in Le Verdon-sur-Mer, to Port Adhoc Soubise, in the commune of the same name, you can enjoy an exceptional cruise, discovering a wide variety of landscapes.
From Le Verdon-sur-Mer and Port Médoc, you’ll sail a few miles along the Gironde estuary. You’ll then head west to the mouth of the Gironde, where you’ll reach the Atlantic Ocean. Then, in coastal waters, you’ll head north along the Charente coastline. You’ll wind your way around the largest island in Charente-Maritime: Ile d’Oléron. Then you’ll head for the mainland, leaving the town of Fouras to port and Île Madame to starboard, and enter the Charente River. You will sail upstream for five nautical miles, before arriving at Port Adhoc Soubise.
➡️ See also: Sailing routes on the Gironde estuary
Do you have a coastal motorboat license, but no river license? Rest assured, even if this itinerary includes passages on the Gironde estuary and the Charente river, according to the legislation, you will still be operating in a maritime zone. So you don’t need any specific license, other than the one you already have to drive your unit at sea!
Between Port Médoc and Port Adhoc Soubise
Sailing from Le Verdon-sur-Mer to Soubise is possible all year round. Of course, be sure to check the weather forecast before you set off, as well as the tide times. On the Gironde estuary, along the Atlantic coast and on the Charente river, these are important data which will ensure that you sail in the best possible conditions!
Sailing from Port Médoc to Port Adhoc Soubise, the route also regularly offers several opportunities for pleasant stopovers. If you have the time, we recommend that you make several stops along the way and visit the following places in particular:
Opposite Port Médoc, the town of Royan
Just 4.5 nautical miles from the port of Le Verdon, at the mouth of the Gironde, Royan is a stopover to punctuate your cruise from Le Verdon-sur-Mer to Soubise. The destination is renowned for its post-war architecture, but also for its beautiful beaches and coastline lined with carrelets.
Saint-Palais-sur-Mer
Just a stone’s throw from the previous destination, the town of Saint-Palais-sur-Mer is another port of call with a refreshing change of scenery: even though Port Médoc is not far away, the landscapes of Saint-Palais-sur-Mer will undoubtedly be quite different from those you’re used to. In Saint-Palais, take the time to discover the famous Belle Epoque villas from the early 20th century, and stroll along the customs path in search of marvellous sea views.
La Palmyre
Also on your way is Les Mathes-la Palmyre: a quiet coastal town, also near the mouth of the Gironde. Here you’ll have the opportunity to stay at anchor and, if you wish, disembark to explore the surrounding area: there are several beautiful sandy beaches to stroll along, and plenty of natural areas and forests to wander through.
Cordouan lighthouse and anchorage
How about getting up close to this famous 70-metre-high maritime landmark? At the foot of the Cordouan lighthouse, a mooring area is available for boats, weather permitting. As part of your cruise between Port Médoc and Port Adhoc Soubise, you’ll have the opportunity to disembark and visit the impressive building.
Ile d’Oléron, and the Chassiron lighthouse
The oyster-farming capital of Charente-Maritime, the Ile d’Oléron is also the largest island on the Atlantic coast. So, on your journey from Le Verdon to Soubise, the island’s atmosphere and landscapes are well worth a stop. Stop off in the north of the island, at Saint-Denis-d’Oléron, or in the Maleconche cove, for example, and explore the island’s villages and forests. For a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding area, you can also visit the Chassiron lighthouse.
The little island of Aix
Still in the Charente-Maritime region, Ile d’Aix also attracts a large number of yachtsmen every year. It’s a destination on your sailing route from Verdon-sur-Mer to Soubise that you’re sure to enjoy! The village, the heritage, the beaches, the various nature walks… If you want to explore the whole island, we recommend renting a bike.
Fouras
At the mouth of the Charente, before rejoining the river, you can also stop off at Fouras. In the town for one or more days, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Fort Vauban, built by the famous engineer and military architect of the same name. The view from its ramparts is said to be worth the effort!
If you want to explore further, you should also visit the town’s history museum, beaches, marshes, Fouras market and fish market.
Finally, as you make your way up the Charente River, over the last five nautical miles of your journey, your eyes will undoubtedly be drawn to the Fort Lupin to starboard. Located in the commune of Saint-Nazaire-sur-Charente, this building was also erected by Vauban, as mentioned above. After its construction in the second half of the seventeenth century, Fort Lupin’s function was to protect Rochefort and its arsenal from enemy ships sailing up the river. The building has been listed as a Monument Historique for over 70 years.
Boaters from Port Médoc, Port Adhoc Soubise or any other marina, we hope we’ve inspired you to discover the wonderful sailing area between Verdon-sur-Mer, at the mouth of the Gironde, and Soubise, on the Charente river. Don’t hesitate to contact our team if, after reading this article, you have any questions!
