Port-Vendres
From CruisersWiki
| Port-Vendres Port of Entry
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 Port Vendres harbour |
Port Vendres is situated on the Mediterranean coast of France,around 10 miles N of the border with Spain. After the small harbour of Banyuls, Port Vendres is the closest French harbour to the border and will be the first port of call for many yachts crossing to France. The port has a small marina, a very friendly tourist office and an excellent supermarket. It is a good place to begin sampling the excellent wines of the Cotes De Roussillon and the sweet dessert or aperitif wines of Banyuls made just a few miles to the west.
Charts
- Imray
- M14 Mediterranean Spain and France
- British Admiralty
- 1705 Cabo de San Sebastian to Iles d'Hyeres
- 2114 Ports in the Golfe de Lyon
Weather
The climate around Port-Vendres is mild all year round, with typical summer highs of 24 - 27 degrees C. Coastal seabreezes predominate, except when the mistral is blowing, when strong N winds can make the harbour rather uncomfortable.
Sources for Weather forecasts:
- VHF
- Continuous forecast on channel 23
- Channel 80 (0803 – 1333 – 2003)
- NAVTEX - Cross La Garde (W)
- INTERNET
Passages
Communication
Also see Cruiser's Nets
If approaching from the west, the entrance to Port Vendres is about one and a half miles after rounding Cap Bear. The bay is a natural dog leg round to the west and the harbour is at the top of the inlet.
Entrance
Port-Vendres is a port of entry/exit to France.
For entrance details see France.
Berthing
Berth in the marina either stern or bows to where directed. Marina staff will fit you in wherever there is space.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
Port-Vendres harbour is operated as a small marina, with a total of 250 places for yachts up to 40 metres in depths of up to 8.0 metres. Berthing is on a series of pontoons and on the quays surrounding the harbour. There are laid moorings in all berths and water and electricity points.
Anchorages
The nearest alternative anchorage is at Collioure, some two miles east of Port Vendres. A delightful, if shallow, anchorage, it would probably become untenable with anything east in the wind.
Yacht Repairs & Services
Marine Stores & Facilities
Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.
Repairs
Yard on N side of harbour with travel lift (127T). Most repairs possible.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
Water and electricity on the pontoons. No fuel station.
Things to do ashore
Tourism
Port Vendres is a pretty if somewhat nondescript town, but provides a good base for a few days' hiking in the Pyrenees or for a more gentle walk along the cliffs to the port of Banyuls to the west or Collioure to the east. Collioure is especially attractive and has become something of an artists' colony in recent years in view of its charm.
Grocery & Supply Stores
Good supermarket in the town.
Eateries
Several good restaurants around the harbour and in the town. Try to find one that does the local speciality magret de canard in Banyuls sauce. The red dessert wines of Banyuls are also worth a try, especially the hors d'age.
Internet/WiFi
In the port and internet cafes in the town.
Laundry
In the town.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Garbage Disposal
Bins near the harbour.
Transportation
List transportation (local and/or international.)
Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forums
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
Links
- Port-Vendres at the Wikipedia
- Port-Vendres tourism
References
See France.
Comments
We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.
- After several weeks cruising the Spanish coast, dealing with taciturn Spanish tourist office staff and surly supermarket checkout operators, Port Vendres was a welcome oasis when we arrived, with a typically French supermarket, friendly staff in the tourist office and marina staff who actually took care to see that our yacht was safely and comfortably moored. --Athene of Lymington
Verified by
Date of member's last visit to Port-Vendres and this page's details validated:
- May 2002 --Atheneoflymington
| This is a usable page of the cruising guide. However, please contribute if you can to help it grow further. Click on Comments to add your personal notes on this page or to discuss its contents. Alternatively, if you feel confident to edit the page, click on the edit tab at the top and enter your changes directly. |
 Contributors to this page |
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Names: Lighthouse, Atheneoflymington |
