Explore: Gulfe de Fos (Port St Louis, Port Napoleon, St-Gervais)
General Info
Port Saint Louis du Rhone is a useful port, being one of the major entrances to Europe’s system of inland waterways. It is approximately 40NM west of Marseilles.
It lies on the western side of the large bay, Golfe de Fos, from which the approach is made via a dredged channel. From the marina, There is a lock giving entrance or exit to the River Rhone. The lower part of the river is unnavigable.
It is just south of Port St-Louis, is Port Napoleon, which is more suited for its boatyards as it is quite a distance from the town but it has excellent shore storage and repair facilities. (entrance channel 43° 23.09’N, 04° 52.22’E)
On the northern shore of the Gulfe, is the small walled medieval town of Fos Sur Mer. The harbor of St-Gervais (not to be confused with the commercial port to the west) is easily identified by its lighthouse. (harbour entrance 43° 25.58’N, 04° 56.31’E)
On the eastern side of the Gulfe is the commercial port of Port de Bouc, which has two yacht basins inside.
Position 43° 23.48’N, 04° 52.33’E (St Louis entrance channel)
Clearance
Port St-Louis du Rhone is a Port of Entry.
Customs Tel: +33 (0)442 860623
Docking
Port St-Louis is an attractive place to stay, while Port Napoleon is a good place to over-winter where it is possible to stay on board (either ashore or in the water) to get work done or do it yourself.
There are two other marinas in the Gulfe de Fos, Port de Bloc, and St Gervais (see entry below). Both have all facilities, visitor’s berths and fuel.
Last updated January 2018.
