The ports

The Marina

Located in the heart of the seaside resort, this harbour has earned an international reputation since the 1600s, with its storm-protected bay. Accessible at all times, whatever the weather, tide or type of boat, the marina offers 500 pontoon berths and 250 berths on buoys. What’s more, the visitors’ pontoon is accessible to those with reduced mobility, and an outdoor tourist information terminal is available 24/7 in front of the harbourmaster’s office.

Facilities and services

Fresh water and electricity points on the pontoons (220 V/10 A)
8 WCs (2 with disabled access) / 10 showers (2 with disabled access) / Baby-changing table
Fuel 24 hours a day on the pontoon near the Harbourmaster’s Office
Waste-water recovery system
Winter storage afloat and craning and careening area
Shore service in July and August from 8.30am to 7.45pm
Automatic laundrette
Fittings and electronics shops, engines, marine mechanics, boat hire
Bistro and shops nearby
Weather forecast: permanent digital marine weather display
Free WIFI and parking

The Harbour Master's Office

The teams at the Bénodet Harbourmaster’s Office are at your service all year round.
– Opening times in July and August: 8.30am-12pm / 2pm-8pm
– Off-season opening times: 9.00am-12.00pm / 2.00pm-5.00pm
VHF channel 9 – Telephone contact: +33 (0)2 98 57 05 78

The old port

This picturesque spot, popular with walkers from Bénodet and visitors alike, offers an atmosphere steeped in history and serenity. In summer, the old port is the departure point for cruises on the River Odet and to the Glénan archipelago, as well as crossings from Bénodet to Sainte-Marine on the P’tit Bacwater taxi.

On site, you’ll find the Vedettes de l’Odetboat company, the pedestrian ferry and several shops and restaurants, as well as the pretty church of Saint Thomas, which has stood watch over the river for many centuries.

A little history

As you stroll along Bénodet’s Old Port, you are immediately captivated by Saint-Thomas’ church, built in the 1100s in honour of Saint Thomas of Canterbury, which faces the River Odet.

In the 1200s, it was a prosperous period for the Old Port. More than ten ships carried conger eels and dried hake from Bénodet to Royan, where they were made into a pâté that was highly prized by the people of Bordeaux. The ships returned loaded with wine, salt and grapes.

In the 1500s, of the 121 ships registered in the Port of La Rochelle, twelve came from Bénodet, carrying wine to the English Channel.

In the 1600s and 1700s, the Port of Bénodet drew the attention of the East India Company to receive cargoes, and of Rear Admiral Yves de Kerguelen for mooring naval vessels, although these projects never came to fruition.

Today, the Vieux Port is a favourite spot forvisitors and residents alike.