La Rochelle. Advice on marinas and accomodation?

[willemfree]

We will tow our sports boats to La Rochelle this summer. Can any of you give advice on ;
Which marina to leave them on overnight.
Accomodation for 3 families.

We are looking to go at the busy time last week of July.

We have for several years gone to the ulf de Morbihan and had a great time, cheap marina fees and great boating but fncy a change now.

Appreciate any advice you can offer.

Thanks Adrian.

 

[sjnewport]

We trailed our 7m boat there last summer and are booked to return this summer. We travelled at the beginning of August so got caught up in a lot of traffic but the road into La Rochelle is good and well sign posted when you are trailing. We launched at the Port des Minimes just on the outskirts of La Rochelle. It is a large marina with excellent slipway facilities. They do not take bookings as space is always available. The slipway is 5 euros each way[although we weren't charged] the car and trailer storage for the 2 weeks in the marina compound we did not get charged for. There is plenty of pontoon space although you may have to raft if busy and if you pay for 2 nights[about 25 euros for 7m] you get a third night free.
We were a bit unlucky with the weather our second week but still plan to return. La Rochelle is interesting to discover if you fancy some time away from the boat. We also went to Ile de Re and moored for 3 nights in the harbour at St Martin de Re, an definite must to visit, absolutely fantastic. You are packed in with every other boater but the location and atmosphere is great. Did not get to Ile de Oleron last time but hope to this year.
I have actually written an article on our holiday which is due for publication in next months MBM!!! so hopefully should give you some other details but I have pictures of slipway, marina etc so if they do not publish them pm me and I can forward them to you. We travelled with friends and launched a 7m and 8m boat and when we return this year will have another boat of that size with us and all facilities totally suitable for boats of that size. One tip though when you go into the capitainerie's office don't ask if he speaks English because he won't appreciate it. Never mind how bad your French is that will be the only way you will get anywhere, as I learn't last year.!!
Don't know if you already have it having explored further north but the pilot book on the west coast of France gives excellent info
You'll really enjoy it ,we did

 

[willemfree]

Thanks so much for the info. All that remains is to organise accomodation. Before we rented a static on a campsite near Port Crouesty and it was super. We would like to get a villa or group of properties for the 12 of us near la rochelle.
Any tips for the accom, either property or good camp site with static woluld be welcome.
Any advice I can help with Morbihan / Crouesty just ask.
Adrian.
Nothings Free.
Plymouth.