Bassin des Chalutiers

Bassin des Chalutiers is a tidal basin within the historic Vieux-Port of La Rochelle, reserved for larger pleasure craft. The basin welcomes yachts from 17 to 50 metres in length (larger vessels by reservation only), with a maximum width of 15 metres, and sits centrally along quai Sénac de Meilhan and quai Georges Simenon.

Entry is through a lock gate with a movable bridge, and access is tide-dependent: the basin opens 2 hours before high water and closes 1.5 hours after high water, with four possible movements per tidal cycle. Contact the port on VHF channel 9. Pilotage is compulsory for vessels over 50 metres. Maximum draught on the four pontoons is 5 metres, and berths cannot be booked in advance – call the office to check availability.

Electricity is available on the pontoons (additional fixed charge for visitors), along with water, toilets and showers within the harbour area. Wifi and an internet point are available at the harbour office, and a laundry is located about 100 metres from the port. Fuel can be supplied to larger yachts at quai Sénac by prior arrangement with customs.

From here it's a short walk to the historic quarters of the Vieux-Port, guarded by the Saint-Nicolas and de la Chaîne towers, the Musée Maritime with its museum ships, and the Aquarium. Right on the basin's edge stands the restaurant Le Gaburon, where you can enjoy the view over the water from its terrace.