Publication date: 05/01/2024
This is the strong point of the Port Médoc marina, in the commune of Verdon-sur-Mer: its location! Halfway between the sea and the estuary, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gironde on the other, the full-water marina attracts many sailors, not least because of its location.
The Gironde, at the junction of two rivers – the Garonne and the Dordogne – offers boaters the chance to stop off in charming little towns with strong personalities. Take Mortagne-sur-Gironde or Pauillac, for example! Cruising along the Gironde estuary, sailors discover atypical landscapes, changing with the tides.
At the mouth of the estuary, on the Atlantic coast, boaters departing from Port Médoc can also enjoy another type of navigation, in the maritime zone. This time, the ocean is theirs! By motorboat or sailboat, they can explore the port towns of Royan, La Rochelle and Les Sables d’Olonne, the small coastal town of Les Mathes-la Palmyre, the Atlantic islands of Oléron, Aix or Ré, and why not, further south, the Bassin d’Arcachon.
Would you like to find out more? In this article, Port Adhoc gives you an overview of these different destinations.
Mortagne-sur-Gironde
A small town on the right bank of the Gironde, Mortagne is a quiet port of call. A short sail of 13 nautical miles is all it takes to reach it from the marina at Port Médoc !
Set in the heart of the salt marshes and meadows, your stay in Mortagne-sur-Gironde will be an opportunity to discover the town and its two faces: the upper and lower parts. Small streets, shops, restaurants, flea markets, views over the estuary… You too are likely to feel that the town of Mortagne-sur-Gironde has it all.
Pauillac
Just a few miles from Port Médoc, 26 nautical miles to be exact, Pauillac is the second destination we recommend. Easily accessible from the marina, it’s a town well worth a visit.
In Pauillac, you can explore the famous Médoc vineyards. Take the route of the châteaux and wines, and taste the grands crus! The town also offers a wide range of walks to discover Pauillac’s nature, architecture and heritage.
Royan
It’s the closest destination to Port Médoc : you’ll reach it directly after crossing the Gironde estuary, in less than 5 nautical miles. You’ll then swap the tranquility of the port of Le Verdon-sur-Mer for a more urban atmosphere.
After the Second World War, Royan was largely rebuilt. Today, it boasts a wealth of architectural evidence of a very special period: the modern era. The church of Notre-Dame de Royan, the municipal market and the Grande Conche beach, close to the port, promise a pleasant stay in the port of call.
Les Mathes-La Palmyre
If you’re looking for a quiet anchorage at the mouth of the Gironde, Les Mathes-la Palmyre is the ideal destination. Just 10 nautical miles north-west of the marina at Port Médoc, this Charente-Maritime town is best known for its zoo: Zoo de la Palmyre. But it’s also well worth a visit to laze on the town’s beaches, take a stroll in the forest, enjoy horse-riding or cycle touring.
Île d’Oléron
It’s the largest island on the French Atlantic coast. Its 174 km² surface area is ideal for a wide range of activities! The island’s main port, Saint-Denis-d’Oléron, is just over 45 nautical miles from the port of Le Verdon. From this port of call, you can explore the island by land, or enjoy the surrounding area by sea.
There are many features not to be missed during your visit. These include the wild beaches and pine forests for which the island is famous, the Château d’Oléron, the citadel and the 46-metre-high Chassiron lighthouse.
The island of Aix
To sail from the port of Le Verdon-sur-Mer to the island of Aix, you’ll need 55 nautical miles. In Aix, you’ll have the opportunity to discover an island in the Atlantic Ocean, while taking your time! We recommend an overnight stay, as the island of Aix is visited daily by many tourists on passenger boats. Most leave in the late afternoon. With your motorboat or sailboat moored in one of the island’s coves, you can be sure of a peaceful stay. The island’s village, fortifications and beaches will be all yours!
La Rochelle
The Port Médoc marina is 55 nautical miles from La Rochelle. Here, you’ll have the choice of staying in two different ports: the Vieux-Port, or the Minimes. The former allows you to be as close as possible to the historic town, its restaurants and stores. You’ll probably already know it from the two distinctive towers at the entrance to the port, its Aquarium or the Maritime Museum, where Bernard Moitessier’s famous sailboat Joshua is on display!
On the other side of town, the second port is one of Europe’s largest. It’s a great place to visit if you’d like to visit a chandlery or do some technical shopping.
La Rochelle is also a lively place, attracting numerous events. The best known are nautical events such as the Grand Pavois or the Fêtes maritimes de La Rochelle, and musical festivities such as the Francofolies.
Ile de Ré
Opposite La Rochelle, around 70 nautical miles from the port of Le Verdon, the Ile de Ré is also a stopover not to be missed. From Port Médoc, you can reach La Flotte-en-Ré, Saint-Martin-de-Ré or Ars-en-Ré.
In each of the small villages, you’ll find a typical, picturesque atmosphere. As well as landscapes overlooking the Atlantic, you’re sure to appreciate the cobbled streets lined with distinctive flowers, and the small seaside-style houses. If you’re interested in cultural discoveries, on the Ile de Ré you can also take an interest in salt farming or visit the Baleines lighthouse.
Les Sables d’Olonne
Here we are, over 70 nautical miles from Port Médoc in the Vendée department. After a long sail from the port of Le Verdon, you’ll discover Les Sables d’Olonne, a famous destination for ocean racing starts. The town regularly hosts famous events, including the famous Vendée Globe!
When you stop off at Les Sables, you’ll benefit from a dynamic environment offering, once again, numerous possibilities for activities: visit the town center, the beaches, the Musée de la mer, the Museum du coquillage… You’ll also benefit from all the amenities.
The Arcachon Basin
If you’re a long-distance sailor, you’ll also appreciate the possibility of reaching the Bay of Arcachon from Le Verdon. Just 75 nautical miles south of the Port Médoc marina, this is an exceptional destination!
The famous Île aux Oiseaux with its “cabanes tchanquées”, the towns of Arcachon, Andernos-les-Bains and Cap-Ferret, the small oyster-farming ports of L’Herbe, Claouey and Gujan-Mestras… You’ll draw up a sailing schedule, according to the tides, that will enable you to make the most of the destination. Of course, the Bay of Arcachon is too far from the port of Le Verdon-sur-Mer to be a day trip. So take the opportunity to spend a few days there, before heading back to Port Médoc…
➡️ See also: Navigation routes on the Gironde estuary
