Publication date: 15/05/2024
Sailing in the South-West, a popular activity
From the northern border of Charente-Maritime to the south of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques and the Spanish border, southwestern France boasts no less than 300 kilometers of coastline.
La Rochelle and the islands of Charente-Maritime, the Médoc and its wine culture, Bordeaux and its many historic monuments, the Bassin d’Arcachon with its oyster farming, the Cabanes Tchanquées and the Dune du Pyla, or the Basque Country with its culture and typical villages on the edge of the ocean… The region known as Nouvelle-Aquitaine is not short of attractions.
By summer 2023, it was France’s leading tourist region! Three-quarters of visitors chose this destination to discover the coastline, in the departments of Charente-Maritime, Gironde and Pyrénées-Atlantiques. And while many chose to stay on land, sailors and motorboaters were also out in force to enjoy the region’s waters.
Of course, we’re not questioning the value of visiting the South West by boat, in season. But wouldn’t it be nicer to take advantage of the region’s unique landscapes and ports of call during leisurely cruises, rather than in the midst of overcrowding?
If you too would like to explore the surrounding area, we have the solution: take advantage of the pre-season.
Southwest destinations by boat, without too many visitors
In spring, the sun usually comes out to brighten our days. The days get longer and the springtime atmosphere, after the winter, gives us a renewed desire for outdoor activities. So if you want to discover New Aquitaine and the South-West by boat, we think it’s ideal to choose this time of year. Before the annual summer tourist rush, you’ll undoubtedly have more time to savor your discoveries. Before summer, you’ll enjoy pleasant sailing conditions, without the overcrowding the region often experiences.
In pre-season, you’ll be sailing with fewer people around you, whether on the water, in the various anchorages or in the harbours. Discover the South-West at your own pace, with a real view of the landscape, without feeling oppressed!
To discover the region, you’ll stop off at a number of locations, either on the mainland or on one of the islands in southwestern France. So you can explore in a more authentic atmosphere, in contact with the locals and, perhaps, with local personalities. In the tourist establishments, which are also less crowded, you’ll probably be much more welcome than in the high season…
In the low season, when sailing in the South-West of France, attractive rates
If you’re planning to call at a marina in the southwest, visit a particular anchorage area, or take in a cultural or tourist attraction, be sure to check rates for changes throughout the year.
In the pre-season, in addition to enjoying the mild spring weather, you may have access to several price reductions on services. Thanks to this price difference, you may be able to discover more places, or take part in activities you hadn’t considered.
Many establishments offer discounted rates outside the tourist season! In supermarkets and restaurants, too, you may be able to see the difference, as prices often rise during the summer season. Sailing in the Southwest before the summer season is therefore also a more economical solution.
More flexibility in the organization of your cruises
With fewer tourists and sailors around, and thanks to preferential rates, you’ll have more opportunities to stay in the place of your choice. You’ll be able to plan your trip more flexibly.
Whether you’re on a motorboat or a sailboat, you should easily find a visiting mooring, without having to book as far in advance or spend as much as you would if you were sailing in the South West during the summer. The same applies if you want to practice a water sport without getting too organized: renting water sports equipment at the last minute, for a few hours or for the day, is generally easier outside the summer period.
Sailing before the season, then, is the key to not spending all your time planning your sailing schedule. Leave room for improvisation, make unplanned stopovers or extend your stay, and enjoy the moment in complete tranquillity…
Explore the Southwest by boat with Port Adhoc
You may be wondering whether there are one or more marinas in the South West from which to explore the surrounding area. The good news is that within the Port Adhoc network, there are three harbours that could be just what you’re looking for: from north to south, Port Adhoc Soubise, Port Médoc and Port Adhoc Bayonne Anglet.
Port Adhoc Soubise, on the Charente
In the small commune of Soubise, our marina offers 240 berths for motorboats and sailboats. Boaters can choose to moor their units afloat or store them on racks or cradles in the dry. All owners of boats up to 17 meters long and weighing up to 20 tons are welcome!
Recent facilities at Port Adhoc Soubise include water and electricity connections, as well as a fuel pump and washrooms accessible 24/7.
That’s why our team is proud to offer marina users an extensive technical platform, with a wide range of professionals on hand: mechanics, welders, diesel specialists, saddlers, sailmakers, companies specializing in marine electrics or electronics… or, more generally, specialists in all trades relating to boat maintenance and repair.
Whether you’re looking for a structure to moor your vessel, store it on dry land, winterize it or undertake refit work, Port Adhoc Soubise is certainly the multiservice port for you…
Port Médoc at the mouth of the Gironde River
Halfway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gironde estuary, 100 kilometers from Bordeaux, Port Médoc is also a choice marina for exploring the South-West of France.
Still in the water, the port is strategically located in Verdon-sur-Mer, just a stone’s throw from the ocean. Close to the local culture and gastronomy, it offers a wide range of activities, both nautical and non-nautical, to its recreational users.
A total of 1,600 meters of floating pontoons and 950 deep-water berths are available to boaters at Port Médoc. On a 15-hectare inner basin, 2 to 3 meters deep, Port Médoc welcomes sailing and motor boats, sheltered from the swell behind a reinforced dike.
Owners of boats moored in the harbour benefit from a video-monitored site, with ample free parking lot and secure access to the pontoons. On the pontoons, in the careening area or in the storage area, they have access to comfortable facilities such as the latest generation of water and electricity terminals.
At Port Médoc, boaters benefit from a wide range of services, including sanitary facilities, laundry facilities, a Club House, fiber-optic Internet access and a permanently accessible fuel station.
Finally, as at Port Adhoc Soubise, all nautical services are available in the port of Le Verdon.
Port Adhoc Bayonne Anglet, one nautical mile from the Atlantic
On the Adour River in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region, the dry port of Bayonne-Anglet is also located at the gateway to the Atlantic: a single nautical mile is all it takes to reach the ocean.
In the heart of the Basque Country, whether you choose one of the 210 berths on racks, or one of the 30 berths on cradles, boaters benefit from excellent reception conditions. The port’s location is ideal for exploring the South-West by sea or river!
Also known as Port Adhoc Bayonne Anglet, the harbour offers a wide range of high-quality facilities, including a careening area, a launching stage and private pontoons. The Wifi network is free and available throughout the harbor, and boats can be launched at the owners’ request, 7 days a week.
Finally, at Port Adhoc Bayonne-Anglet, owners once again have access to a wide range of services. From boatyards to dealerships, and even stores specializing in water sports and leisure activities, we can guarantee that you’ll find all the professionals you’re looking for in our port!
Do you need help organizing your future sailing trips in the South West? The Port Adhoc team is ready to help you make your plans a reality. Contact us to find out how we can help you!
