Rochefort for the winter?

[Ohlin Karcher]

I was thinking of spending 3-4 of the coldest winter months south of Brittany, for the climate mainly, to have a chance of getting my boat painted and varnished. I've done it in Lorient before which worked out well, but I don't like retracing my steps
Rochefort looks attractive and sheltered, and has been personally recommended by someone here who knows the area.
Has anyone done similar? The more I read the better it sounds. Thanks for any real world experiences good or bad . Preferably bad, because I can't see any particular setbacks..

 

[longjohnsilver]

We’ve been there in the winter, but not by boat.

It’s an attractive town with an excellent market. The moorings all look pretty secure from the weather. Nothing bad to say about the place. Sorry. But it can get cold in winter.

 

[Ningaloo]

I spent 8 years here, using it as my winter liftout with storage ashore.
I can recommend it. Staff are friendly and helpful.
Not sure if you are looking for liftout or afloat. If the latter, be prepared for cold.
Note that access is very limited, usually only half an hour each tide.

 

[EU_Cruiser]

Rochefort is lovely today after some gusty breezes and pretty warm weather but the cliffs are protecting us from the worst of the late afternoon sun and it sounds like a thunderstorm building up so maybe cooler tonight.
We are, of course, talking about Rochefort-sur-Nenon on the River Doubs in north-east France, aren't we?
;-)

 

[vyv_cox]

We wintered afloat there years ago, lovely town and good facilities including an excellent chandler.

 

[Ohlin Karcher]

Thanks all, it sounds great!

 

[DownWest]

The area gets a slightly better climate than you might expect. Being halfway down France, it is under the Cornish /Brittany wet, but above the extremes of the Spanish/French border in the South, caused by the mountains.
Last winter was quite mild, negative for the odd day and a dusting of snow a couple of times. Been a lot worse in the past. 'Bout 10yrs ago, it was -10° for a few days.
But then, it was 42° a couple of weeks ago.
Right now, rare showers, some sun and low 20s

 

[goeasy123]

Natalie in the office speaks reasonable English.
Andrew Eckford, local Brit engineer is very handy to know.
They have a funky crane. You need to take your backstay off. Also, check the weight limit before you go.
Walking distance to train station (200mtr).... short trip and bus hop to La Rochelle airport with flights to UK airports.
Handy boulangerie in the far corner.... does take-away lunches.

 

[Ohlin Karcher]

Thanks to both..the crane is listed at 16t so I'm ok at 12.

 

[dancrane]

We are, of course, talking about Rochefort-sur-Nenon on the River Doubs in north-east France, aren't we?

Surely we're not? Are we?

I visited Rochefort occasionally, fifteen years ago, in winter. It never occurred to me to be climatically advantaged, compared with anywhere on the British south coast.

 

[EU_Cruiser]

Sigh