Discover Nantes by sea, here is an idea for a stopover in the heart of the city, at the Belém pontoon.
The Belém Bridge, in the heart of the city
After the superb ascent of the Loire estuary the arrival in Nantes is at the Belém pontoon. It is located in the Bras de la Madeleine, just after the Maillé Brézé museum ship and just before the Anne de Bretagne bridge.
This comfortable 150-meter long pontoon offers several places for visitors, which boaters will have reserved in advance at the harbor master's office. Indeed, the pontoon is often used for the reception of exceptional boats and various festivities.
The situation of the Belém dock
The Belém pontoon is exceptionally well located in Nantes, close to the city center. Moreover, a streetcar stop, in front of the pontoon's entrance, allows to circulate without constraint and to benefit from the free public transport on weekends for example. Moreover, a free parking lot is available nearby, opposite the Maillé Brézé.
However, all amenities are also within walking distance: small supermarket, grocery stores or laundromat, are located within a few minutes walk.
A tourist and cultural stopover
A stopover in Nantes allows you to take advantage of a city exceptionally rich in cultural events, tourist attractions, gastronomy and festivities. Bars, restaurants, museums, cinema, media library, swimming pool, castle, lively city center, are directly accessible.
From the deck of his boat, the yachtsman parked at the Belém pontoon can admire the mechanical elephant of the Machines de l'île, one of the symbols of the city, as well as the Carrousel des Mondes Marins. At night, the Rings of Buren are illuminated live.
Belém pontoon, service side
In terms of services, the Belém dock is secured by a digital code. It has water and electricity, and a wastewater pumping station. Containers for household waste are also available on the pontoon.
The sanitary facilities, showers, toilets and sinks, are located directly on the pontoon. Well maintained and secured by a digicode, their only defect is to undergo the movements of the pontoon when the Loire is agitated, which happens when a strong wind blows against the current.
As the wind is mostly from the west, it is preferable to moor on starboard by making a half-turn before the Anne de Bretagne bridge. The current can be important in the Loire River depending on the tide. It is an element to take into account when mooring and when leaving the pontoon.
