The Port of La Cotinière

La Cotinière is a little slice of paradise, where it’s wonderful to relax in the cool morning air while watching the fishermen untangle their nets.



Facing due west out to sea, this quaint little fishing port with its colorful boats specializes in catching premium fish species using fishing techniques that preserve their quality.



As a result, the harbor sees the unloading of sole, line-caught sea bass, red seabream, langoustines, lobsters, shrimp… In total, no fewer than 90 different species are auctioned off here each year.



When the vessels return to port to unload their catch, the spectacle is not to be missed.



It is the only port on Oléron’s west coast between the marinas of Saint-Denis d’Oléron and Royan.

The port is accessible via a 25-meter-wide channel at a water level of -2.50. It consists of three basins:

- Basins 1 and 2, which are shallow-draft basins (+0.50 marine elevation),

- Basin 3 (scheduled to open in 2022), a deep-water basin (-2.50 marine tide level).



* Access by sea:

Tricky entrance; best approached from the open sea. Exercise caution in WSW winds and swells. During spring tides, some currents can exceed 2.5 knots.

Approach possible day or night.

Coming from the open sea, follow the alignment of the sector beacon at 48° via a beacon located onshore (Saint Severin).

At the port-side entrance buoy of the new cleared channel (45°54’2784 N - Longitude 1°19’4628 W): follow the markings to the end of the new port jetty (45°54’5769 N - Longitude 1°19’6630 W).



* Facilities:

90 berths, primarily for commercial fishing (dedicated pontoons in basins 2 and 3, as well as two pontoons in basin 1), 50 recreational berths allocated for pontoon mooring (basin 1 only), 1 paid boat launch ramp, occasional visitor berths available upon request at the harbor office, and one entry point for pleasure craft authorized for repairs or shelter.



* Services

Technical services: video surveillance, marine mechanical workshops, boat launch ramp, 200-metric-ton boat lift, divers (association), hull cleaning area, port waste disposal facility, duty-free fuel and supplies for professionals only, maritime cooperative, SNSM station.

Other services: water and electricity at the pontoon and pier; all shops and services in the village.

Rates: For further information or details regarding your stay at the port, please contact the fishing port.



* Port Authority Contacts:

Phone: +33(0)5 46 76 42 42 / Email: port@cotiniere.fr

Hours of operation: year-round, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Administrator: Charente-Maritime Department / Directorate of Water, the Sea, and the Coast / La Cotinière Port Authority.



* Regulations:

The specific police and operating regulations are available for review at the Port Office (1 Quai de la Pointe, La Cotinière).

Departmental Port Supervisor (on call 24 hours a day): tel. +33(0)6 08 00 92 38