Grounding in the Channel
The coast of the Havens this is a succession of eight harbors, between Cap de Carteret in the north and Cap de Granvile in the south. They are suitable for beaching: Vanlée, Blainville, Regnéville, Geffosses, Surville, Saint-Germain-sur-Ay, PortBail, Carteret. Salt flats and salt meadows are home to sheep at low tide, oyster beds, breeding grounds for several species of birds and amphibians, dunes and sandy moors are all part of these protected bays where fresh and salt water mix.
PortBail is a small beaching port with catways and sheltered anchorages, accessible from a marked channel. Located 14 miles from Jersey, it is the ideal starting point to discover the Channel Islands. Further south, Surville and Lessay allow you to discover landscapes inspired by the south-west between maritime pines and moors of heather and gorse.
The archipelago of Chausey is a Norman archipelago known for its breathtaking scenery. The Sound, a channel oriented north-west / south-east, which runs along the north side of the Grande Île is a good shelter at low tide. The island is known for its high tides which can reach 14 m and its fauna includes many marine mammals and birds.
Grounding in Brittany
The island of Bréhat in the Côtes-d'Armor has a jagged coastline, characteristic of Brittany. For the beaching, it's at the Port de la Chambre that it happens. You can then go for a walk at low tide to discover wild landscapes.
On the island of Batz the main anchorage is at Porz Kernok, where you will run aground on a fine sand or mud floor, well protected from the north and west winds. This small island lives mainly from agriculture and fishing and offers many different landscapes, from dunes to rocky coasts and moors. Just opposite, the Old Port of Roscoff is a beaching harbor dedicated to the south for pleasure boats and to the north for fishing boats. Accessible only during tide hours, it offers 300 places and is an ideal starting point to visit the bay of Morlaix.
In Morbihan, the port of Sauzon offers at the bottom of the cove a well-sheltered hard-bottom beaching port for dinghies and keelboats with crutches. 110 visitor berths are available with embossing on red buoys or embossing on anchors. You will have direct access to the many restaurants along the pier and can discover the magnificent island of Belle-Île by walking along the many coastal paths and observe the abundant flora and the waves breaking on the cliffs.
The island of Sein is particularly suitable for beaching in the inner harbor. The bottom is mainly composed of sand. Located off the Pointe du Raz, at the entrance of the Iroise Sea, the island is an obligatory passage between the Atlantic and the English Channel. From the south, you will arrive with the current and thus at high tide with a sufficiently important tidal range to reach your anchorage. However, it should be avoided in case of storm, because it is not sufficiently sheltered.
Grounding in Loire-Atlantique
The port of Le Croisic is mainly a beaching harbour even if it offers some anchorages. The two anchorage areas are Port Charly and Grand-Banc. The commune is located on a former granite island now connected to the land. You can enjoy the wild coast and the beaches between steep cliffs and creeks.
Grounding in Vendée
The port of La Meule is a recessed cove located on the southwest coast of yeu Island . This island belongs to the department of Vendée. Well protected by two cliffs covered with moors, the port of La Meule is the ideal shelter during the agitated times. Draining at low tide, it requires to be able to run aground. You can visit the Chapel of Notre Dame de Bonne Nouvelle which serves as a bitter for sailors overhanging the enclave. Diving, small fishermen's huts and wild landscapes are to be discovered without moderation.
Grounding in Charente-Maritime
The island of Ré is a haven of peace and quiet that attracts many tourists during the summer. Its marshes and mudflats are a refuge for migratory bird populations that you can observe from the Nature Reserve of Proud of Ars . This arched bay, located at the northern end of the island, is well protected by two ends of land and will offer you a safe beaching on mud and sand banks and surrounded by salt marshes. The place is also well known by fishermen on foot. You can take the opportunity to discover the village of Ars-en-Ré, classified among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France".
In another style, la Flotte-en-Ré is one of the oldest villages of the island of Ré. It is also classified "Most Beautiful Villages of France". Its harbor is well known to boaters who come to stop and enjoy the restaurants and terraces. The small harbor is covered with a muddy bottom.
