Located in the heart of the Drôme, the port of l’Épervière is a haven of peace for yachtsmen and water sports enthusiasts. Bordered by the majestic Rhône River, this river port offers a full range of facilities and services to make your stay a pleasant one.
History of the port of l’Épervière
Like other towns along the Rhône, Valence has always benefited from the river’s development in terms of trade and, more recently, river tourism. A commercial port undergoing restructuring* and a port
From the Middle Ages onwards, quays were built along the riverbanks, such as the Portalet au sel (Salt Portal), a reminder of the trade with the Mediterranean saltworks, a source of prosperity for the town.
With the hydroelectric development of the last century and its many dams, the regulation of the flow and flooding of the Rhône favoured port facilities.
A dual port
In the 1970s, a project was launched to double the size of the port of Valence. A commercial port with a multimodal platform at Porte-lès-Valence downstream, and a marina in Valence, the Port de l’Épervière.
Inaugurated in 1979 as a joint commercial and pleasure port, the Port de l’Épervière has become a major centre for navigation and river tourism. It quickly established itself as a must for yachtsmen sailing on the Rhône.
Thanks to its strategic location between Lyon and Avignon, it has become a key stopping-off point for boats travelling through the region. Over the years, the facilities have been modernised and expanded to welcome even more visitors.
Today, it is one of the main marinas in the Rhône Valley.
Economy and river tourism
The Port de l’Épervière plays an essential role in the economic and tourist development of the city of Valence.
It generates significant economic spin-offs thanks to the many services it offers, making it an attractive destination. It also helps to strengthen the region’s cultural and heritage image.
Located in the economic heart of the Drôme, the port of l’Épervière offers an exceptional setting for water and land-based activities, in addition to yachting and river services.
The port in figures
Covering an area of 8 hectares, the Port de l’Épervière has 420 berths for boats and 60 careening areas for boat maintenance. This careening area can accommodate boats up to 18 metres long, with a 30-tonne capacity lift.
On the yachting side, the pontoons are equipped withwater andelectricity, and the dyke protects boats from the currents of the Rhône.
Services available to yachtsmen
The Port de l’Épervière offers a wide range of services to make life easier for yachtsmen:
- Showers and toilets
- Automatic laundry
- Free wifi
- Navigation and weather information
- Bike hire
- Bus stop to Valence and surrounding area
- Public toilets
- Self-service fuel
- Waste water pumping station
- Refuse collection points
- Free car park
There is also a tourist information office on site, as well as shops with :
- A restaurant
- A shipschandler
- Buying and selling boats
- Boat maintenance, repair and mechanics
Leisure, tourism and attractions
The Port de l’Épervière also offers a range of water sports and cyclingactivities.
Water sports and clubs
If you’re a water sports fan, you’re in for a treat at the Port de l’Épervière!
Local clubs offer a range of activities including sailing, rowing, canoeing and kayaking. Courses and workshops are regularly organised for children and adults wishing to improve their skills.
As for motorboats, you can take your driving licence at one of the schools on site, or simply enjoy an accompanied river trip on the Rhône.
Walking, cycling and ViaRhôna
Just a stone’s throw from the port is the famous ViaRhôna, a cycle route that runs along the Rhône for over 800 kilometres and has been awarded the Eurovelo 17 label. This cycle path allows visitors to explore the region’s breathtaking landscapes by bike, following the valleys of the Rhône, Drôme and Isère rivers.
Numerous footpaths are also accessible from the port along the river, by road or by bus, offering a wide range of nature walks and hikes*.
Tourism and leisure
Its proximity to Valence, the capital of the Drôme department, means that it has easy access to a wide range of activities and tourist attractions:
Cinemas, ice rinks, swimming pools and aquatic centres, parks, museums, heritage sites, architectural discoveries…
In terms of accommodation, as well as a nearby campsite, there are a number of hotels and rental properties in Valence to choose from for a stay or a weekend break.
Access to the port of l’Épervière
The Port de l’Épervière is easily accessible by road, notably from the RN7 trunk road and theA7 motorway.
For boaters navigating on the Rhône, the entrance to the port is located downstream of Valence, just after the Épervière bridge.
Port location
Where is the Port de l’Épervière in Valence?
Connections with Valence city centre
The port is linked to Valence city centre by public transport, with a bus stop providing visitors with rapid access to all the city’s tourist and cultural sites via line 1.
It is also close to Valence-ville SNCF train station, which offers numerous rail connections and a bus station for long-distance buses.
- Valence CITÉAnetwork timetables and map
- Valence town SNCF station
- Bus stations in the Drôme
- The Drôme department
Environmental commitment
For many years now, the port has been committed to a quality approach that respects the environment.
The ISO 9001 ecolabel
By using the site sensibly, integrating it into the surrounding area and offering high-quality services, the port is part of a certified quality and environmental approach aimed at more sustainable tourism.
Europe’s Blue Flag
The Port de l’Épervière has been awarded the European Blue Flag for its commitment to environmental protection. This label rewards the efforts made in terms of waste management, water and energy saving and environmental awareness.
Sustainable practices and protecting nature
The port implements various measures to preserve the local flora and fauna, such as regular dredging of the Rhône bed and the creation of protected areas for birds and fish.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful getaway in the heart of nature or an adventure on the water, the Port de l’Épervière is sure to please: it’s the ideal place to enjoy the charms of the Rhône and discover the hidden treasures of the Drôme.
Website
Official website of the Épervière marina in Valence :
Travel link
- A new direction for the commercial port of Valence, CCI
- Ports on the Rhône
- The ports, bridges and ferryboat of Valence, VPAH ↗
- Ports du Rhône, Wikipédia ↗ / CNR ↗
- Hiking trails in the Drôme ↗
- Tourist Office nearby