/ 
The French yachting industry relies on an extensive port network. In mainland France, 488 seaports offer more than 208,653 berths, distributed between the English Channel, the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Behind these figures, however, lies a much more complex reality than the sheer number of berths available. The Observatoire national des ports de plaisance 2026 (National Observatory of Marinas 2026) highlights the profound changes that are taking place, affecting business models, yachting habits, environmental issues and the governance of port infrastructures.
The geography of ports varies greatly from one coast to another
The distribution of French marinas is far from uniform. The region covered by UPACA alone has 163 ports, ahead of Brittany with 139. The Atlantic has 75 ports, Normandy and Hauts de France 46, while Occitanie has 43. Corsica brings up the rear with 22 ports. While the number of ports appears relatively balanced between the Western seaboard, with 260 ports, and the Mediterranean seaboard, with 228 ports, the characteristics of the infrastructures differ greatly.
Half of French ports have fewer than 250 berths, but account for just 12% of total capacity. Conversely, very large ports account for only 9% of facilities, but concentrate 35% of available moorings. The average size is 428 berths per port nationwide, but some sites far exceed this level, particularly in Occitanie, where several infrastructures are among the largest in France, such as Port Camargue in Grau du Roi or Cap d'Agde.
Waiting lists remain the main symptom of pressure on places
For many yachtsmen, access to a berth is still a lengthy process. The Observatory shows that waiting lists are still particularly long in many marinas. The differences observed are sometimes considerable, depending on the management methods used by the ports. When registration is free of charge, the average number of boats on the list is 631, compared with 314 when a fee is charged. Some lists even exceed 5,600 pending requests.
These figures illustrate several phenomena. Firstly, the existence of free lists encourages the accumulation of applications, some of which are not very active. Many yachtsmen register simultaneously in several ports to increase their chances of obtaining a berth. Secondly, the most attractive areas continue to concentrate strong demand pressure.
However, increasing the number of berths is no longer a systematic priority for managers. The projects identified focus more on upgrading basins, improving services, modernizing facilities and developing dry ports. The creation of new berths appears to be more limited today, notably due to environmental and land constraints.
Although the Observatory does not give a figure for the average time it takes to secure a berth, the data show that tension remains high. Nearly nine out of ten ports have a waiting list, and in almost a fifth of the ports studied, the number of applicants even exceeds the total capacity of the infrastructure. The most tense situations are concentrated in certain particularly sought-after basins, such as the Golfe du Morbihan, the Bay of Saint Malo, Arcachon and several ports on the Côte d'Azur. These figures reflect persistent pressure on available moorings, at a time when expansion projects are gradually giving way to basin reorganization operations and the development of dry storage
Port uses evolve with new boating practices
Boats are no longer used exclusively for sailing. The study highlights the presence of vessels used as residences in 42% of French ports. This proportion even exceeds 80% in some Corsican areas, and reaches over 60% in several Mediterranean regions.
Another development concerns the tourist rental of boats alongside the quay. Around a quarter of all ports now use this practice. Situations vary greatly from region to region, with some ports in Normandy and Hauts de France more concerned than several Mediterranean basins.
These new uses are gradually changing user expectations. Boaters are looking for greater comfort, digital services, modernized facilities and equipment capable of meeting a wide range of boating needs.
A port economy generating nearly ?600 million in sales
Marinas represent an economic sector that is often underestimated. On a national scale, annual harbor sales reach around 600 M?. The South of France alone accounts for nearly 300 M?, or around half of the economic activity in the metropolitan area.
The departments of Var and Alpes Maritimes occupy a special place thanks to the presence of infrastructures hosting a large superyacht fleet. Charente Maritime, Morbihan, Finistère and Hérault are also among the most dynamic areas.
The cost of annual contracts reflects this territorial diversity. For a 6-meter boat, the average annual rate is around ?1,400. For units over 20 meters, the average can reach over ?21,000. Differences between ports become particularly significant for larger units, especially in the Mediterranean, where certain highly sought-after locations drive prices up sharply.
Jobs directly linked to service quality
Ports are more than just reception facilities. They are also major employers in coastal areas. The Observatory estimates the number of direct jobs generated by French marinas at around 3,050.
The differences between coasts are particularly interesting. In small ports, the employment ratio remains comparable between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. On the other hand, as port size increases, Mediterranean ports generate more jobs, thanks to a more developed range of services. Some large Mediterranean ports have as many as 2 FTEs per 100 berths, compared with around 1 FTE per 100 berths on the Western seaboard.
This situation reflects a general evolution in the port management profession, which is now more focused on services for pleasure craft than on infrastructure management alone.
Environmental transition becomes a central issue
Environmental quality is now considered a management factor in its own right.
As of August 1, 2025, 102 French ports had been awarded the Ports Propres certification, and 59 had also obtained the label Ports Propres Actifs en Biodiversité. These certifications cover more than 72,000 moorings. The Southern region remains the most committed to this approach, with more than half of all berths certified. The Occitanie region and several regions along the Atlantic seaboard are also stepping up their efforts.
The momentum remains strong, with 80% of ports surveyed planning to obtain a new environmental certification within the next three years. At the same time, two-thirds of ports now have an environmental referent or dedicated department. This trend reflects the growing integration of environmental issues into day-to-day management processes.
Dredging, energy and climate call for new investments
Infrastructure management is one of the key challenges for the years ahead. More than one port in two estimates that maintenance dredging will be necessary within the next three years. This issue is of particular concern in several Atlantic and Normandy regions, where siltation phenomena remain marked.
In addition to routine maintenance, harbors also need to address energy issues. Fast-charging stations for electric boats are still rare, with only 7% of the ports surveyed equipped with them. This situation is consistent with the low proportion of electric units in current fleets.
Nevertheless, managers are anticipating future developments. Four out of five harbors are planning investments over the next few years. Projects mainly concern the energy renovation of buildings, environmental management, improving services for pleasure boaters and adapting infrastructures to the effects of climate change.
Governance gradually becoming more focused
The organization of ports is also changing. Historically managed on a communal scale, many ports are now grouped within inter-communal structures or specialized public companies. Some regions have particularly high levels of concentration, with managers administering several ports simultaneously.
The aim of this development is to pool technical, administrative and financial resources at a time when investments are becoming heavier and regulatory requirements more numerous.
Managers generally confident despite challenges
Despite the many changes underway, port managers have a rather positive view of the future.
Nationwide, 65% are optimistic, while only 4% are pessimistic. However, this confidence is accompanied by clearly identified concerns: customer renewal, rising operating costs, maintenance of ageing infrastructures and integration of environmental issues.
The Observatoire national des ports de plaisance shows that French marinas are undergoing a profound transformation. Long focused solely on the management of moorings, they are gradually becoming service platforms, local economic players and tools for environmental transition. For yachtsmen, these changes will directly shape the conditions in which they are welcomed, the cost of berths and the services available in the years to come.
