The lock at Port Saint Louis Information sought.

[pcatterall]

Due to motor down from Beucairre to Port Saint Louis in a couple of days and would appreciate any recent knowledge.
Fluvicarte says that this is the only exit from the Rhone for pleasure craft and I guess that this is still the case?
( We are overwintering at Navy Services)
I see that the bridge over the lock only opens at certain times ( and only for 10 minutes)
Do we actually need the bridge to raise? Our masts are on deck so possibly we can steam under?
Will we be able to moor at the rhone side of the lock approach while we wait ( fluvicarte indicates mooring, services and fuel there).
Any other advice appreciated please

 

[Liz_I]

It is still the only exit from the Rhone.
The bridge has to be raised even for dinghies! It's a road bridge and very low.

There is certainly room to moor up as long as you don't impede the peniches. The only fuel would have to be ordered as it's delivered by bowser and iirc there is a minimum order of 200 litres. Otherwise it's cans and a short walk to Intermarche.

 

[Cardo]

The lock only opens a few times a day for plaisancers. Times are here -
http://www.portsaintlouis-plaisance.fr/en/
Click on "Hours of the lock" on the right.

Make sure you're there well in advance and ready to go in when the gate opens and the light goes green.

We arrived a couple of hours early for our opening time so rafted up against one of the boats tied up to the wall just in front of the lock and wandered over to the marina office.
Lock took around 45 mins or so to cycle/traverse, it's not quick!

As for services on the Rhone side - NONE! The boatyard shut down some years ago, I believe.