Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône is a French commune in the Bouches-du-Rhône département, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. The town is ideally located at the mouth of the Rhône River, close to the Mediterranean Sea. Its strategic position makes it an ideal location for river and sea tourism.
Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône ?
Founded in 1904, the town owes its name to its proximity to the River Rhône and the ancient chapel of Saint-Louis. The town’s strategic position, between the mouth of the Rhône and the Gulf of Fos, gives it direct access to the Mediterranean and makes it an ideal location for water sports.
The Rhône, one of the largest rivers in Western Europe, flows through the city, forming a vast delta, before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. Its calm, majestic waters offer a striking contrast to the waves of the Mediterranean, creating a landscape of exceptional beauty. The banks of the Rhône are the ideal place for a leisurely stroll, where you can admire the local flora and fauna, as well as the fishing boats and pleasure craft that sail peacefully on its waters.
The surrounding Camargue region, famous for its exceptional biodiversity, is a real natural gem to discover during your stay in Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône. You can see pink flamingos, wild horses and Camargue bulls in their natural habitat, while soaking up the unspoilt beauty of this unique region between sea and river.
Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône has a rich and varied history, closely linked to its port activity. In the past, the port was a major economic hub, facilitating trade between the Mediterranean and inland Europe. Today, it continues to play a vital role in the regional economy, as a fishing and yachting port.
Location map of Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône
Where is Port-Saint-Louis? In the Bouches-du-Rhône department (13) in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur region:
Harbours at Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône
The history of Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône is closely linked to its flourishing port activity. Remnants of this rich maritime past remain today, bearing witness to the economic vitality of the region over the centuries.
In the Middle Ages, the port enjoyed a period of prosperity, with the development of maritime and river trade, as well as the construction of fortifications to protect the town from invasion. Vestiges of this eventful period still remain today, bearing witness to the region’s rich historical past.
From the 19th century onwards, the port of Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône underwent a new phase of expansion, with the growth of the maritime industry and the construction of docks and warehouses to accommodate merchant ships. The construction of the Rhône-Sète navigation canal, inaugurated in 1838, strengthened the port’s strategic position by facilitating the transport of goods to the hinterland.
During the 20th century, the port was modernised to adapt to the demands of the globalised economy, with the construction of new port infrastructures and the installation of state-of-the-art equipment for loading and unloading ships.
Today, the Port of Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône is a multi-faceted port. It continues to be an essential link in the regional logistics chain, welcoming merchant ships, fishing boats and pleasure yachts.
The various ports are evolving to meet modern needs, while preserving their authentic charm. They are home to traditional fishing boats, river tourism vessels and pleasure yachts, creating a dynamic and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Map of ports in Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône
Marinas, fishing ports, commercial ports, industrial ports, here is the map of the regional inventory:
River tourism in Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône
Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône enjoys a privileged geographical location, between the Rhône River and the Mediterranean Sea. This strategic position makes it a natural crossroads for maritime and river trade. Visitors can admire the region’s contrasting landscapes, from the calm banks of the Rhône to the wild expanses of the Camargue and the sunny beaches of the Mediterranean.
Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône offers a unique experience for river tourism enthusiasts. Here are a few tourist tips to help you make the most of your stay:
- Explore the Rhône by boat
Hire a boat or join a local cruise to discover the picturesque landscapes and unique biodiversity of the Rhône. - Discover the Camargue
Make the most of your stay in Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône to explore the famous Camargue region, renowned for its exceptional flora and fauna. - Take part in water-based activities
Take advantage of the many activities available, such as sailing, kayaking and fishing, to discover the beauty of the Mediterranean coastline. - Visit the historic sites
Explore the region’s historic sites, such as the Roman remains atArles or the medieval fortifications atAigues-Mortes.
The town also organises events linked to the maritime world. These events contribute to the appeal of the town and reinforce its cultural identity. Notable events include :
- La Fête de la Mer: an annual event celebrating the local maritime heritage and offering a variety of activities for young and old.
- The Régates de Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône: sailing competitions that bring together sailing enthusiasts.
Ideally located between the Rhône and the Mediterranean, Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône has several ports for maritime, river, economic and tourist activities.
Port Napoléon
Port Napoléon is strategically located at the mouth of the Rhône River, close to the Mediterranean Sea.
Covering an area of 13 hectares, the port has more than 1,000 berths on dry land, 350 moorings and 40 berths for passage, as well as a range ofnautical facilities and services:
- 65-tonne travelift
- Water/electricity terminals
- Careening area
- Sales showroom equipped with an access gangway
- Mast storage area
- Storage containers
- Free WiFi
- 3 electric car charging points
- Places under hangar
- Air conditioning, electricity and marine electronics
- Marine mechanics
- Paint
- Saddlery and sail making
- Underwater work
Its privileged position makes it a focal point for many complementary activities:
- Marina, marina
- Refit port
- Wintering port
- Second-hand car show all year round (brokers)
- Shipyards
- Catamaran reception
- Harbour master services
Information and contact
For further information, please contact Port Napoléon directly:
- Phone number:
+33(0)4 42 48 41 21 - VHF 9
- GPS coordinates and location :
43.377019,4.831710 - Address:
Rue Canal Saint Antoine l’Ermite, Presqu’île du Mazet, 13230 Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône - Opening hours
Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, closed at weekends - Website
Map showing the location of Port Napoléon
The town’s marina
The Port-Saint-Louis marina is located in the town centre, with wide quays, a vast turning area and a deep draught for most pleasure boats.
The port can be accessed from the Rhône via the Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhônelock, or from the Mediterranean via the Canal Saint-Louis. The port has disabled access.
The marina’s services include
- The harbour master’s office
- A yacht club
- Wi-Fi for boaters
- Showers and toilets
- Bike hire
- Nearby shops
Information and contact
For further information, please contact the town’s marina directly:
- Phone number:
+33(0)4 42 86 39 11 - Contact form
- GPS coordinates and location :
43.385488,4.808049 - Address:
Capitainerie Port de Plaisance, Quai des Commandants Favier, 13230 Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône - Opening times:
Saturday to Monday 9.30am to 7pm, Tuesday to Friday 8am to 6pm - Prices and website ( harbour office)
Map showing the location of the marina
Other marinas and service ports are also accessible at Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône.
The Port Navy Service
Port Navy Service is Europe’s largest dry port. For over 30 years, it has welcomed and developed services for sailing boats, yachts, multihulls, catamarans and trimarans.
It has been offering a full range of nautical services to meet the diverse needs of yachtsmen for 33 years. With 1,500 outdoor berths for boats ranging from 6 to 25 metres in length, the harbour offers a range of berthing solutions for a wide variety of pleasure craft.
With its exceptional capacity, it covers a 23-hectare site, including 15,000m2 of hangar space.
Equipment available:
- Travelift 120 tonnes and 50 tonnes
- Trailers for monohulls and multihulls up to 50 tonnes
- A telescopic crane for masts up to 40 metres long
- An 8.15 metre dock (July 2020)
- A launching ramp 10 metres wide with a useful passage of 13 metres
- A reception quay with an 8-metre draught
- Handling equipment
Navy Service dry port services include :
- A parking area
- Brokerage service
- 2200m2 careening area
- Earthing and launching
- A restaurant
Information and contact
For further information, please contact Port Napoléon directly:
- Telephone number:
+33(0)4 42 11 00 55 - VHF 9
- GPS coordinates :
43.3862, 4.8356 - Address:
Avenue de la1ère DFL, 13230 PORT SAINT LOUIS - Opening times
Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm, Saturday 8am to 7pm, closed on Sundays - Website
Map showing the location of the dry port
Olga marina
The Association des Plaisanciers de la Plage Nord was founded in 1987. In the early days, boats were hoisted onto the northern beach, also known as Plage Olga. During the1980s and 1990s, development work was undertaken, and in 1992 a proper harbour was built. Over the years, development has progressed, with the first wharves being built in 2000, followed by others since then.
The North Beach marina is located between the Canal Saint-Louis (north bank) and the Olga dock in the Gulf of Fos. It is protected by a rockfill dyke that runs in line with the Saint-Louis canal.
Port Olga has a surface area of around 14,000 m² with 140 berths. The port is 1.2 metres deep and has 4 floating wharves ranging in length from 48 to 80 metres, with a careening area for boats up to 9 metres long.
Location and contact
Here is some additional information to help you locate and contact the port:
- Phone:
+33(0)6 11 51 02 35 - GPS coordinates :
43.389854,4.852685 - Address:
Plaisanciers de la Plage Nord, 10 Plage Nord, 13230 Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône
Location map of Port Olga
Carteau Marina
The port of Carteau was developed from the 1960s onwards and gradually throughout the 1970s, with the construction of an inclined plane.
This is a small port with around 90 berths on the south bank of the Saint-Louis canal, close to its opening onto the Gulf of Fos.
With a surface area of around 6,000 m², it is equipped with a launching crane, located in the careening area. The quays are concrete, while two wooden gangways provide access to the boats on the west side of the harbour. The harbour entrance is marked by a white turret topped by a red traffic light.
The port is located close to the Carteau nautical base.
Location and contact
Here is some additional information to help you locate and contact the port of Carteau:
- Phone:
+33(0)4 90 98 75 98 - GPS coordinates :
43.388088,4.850228 - Address:
Port Du Phare, Carteau Sud, 13230 Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône
Map showing the location of the port of Carteau
Le Port Abri du Rhône Antoine Jover
Located upstream of Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône, the Port Abri du Rhône Antoine Jover offers an ideal stopover for yachtsmen, both sheltered and close to the Mediterranean Sea on the River Rhône.
Owned by the local council, it was converted into a marina in 1992. Since 2007, the marina has been managed by theAmicale des Plaisanciers de la Grande Bouche (APGB), and bears the name of one of its former presidents.
The river port is located on the left bank of the Grand Rhône. The basin, divided in two by a pontoon, offers mooring places for 180 pleasure boats and 3 passage places.
Designed to take up little space on the river, the port is set back inland. It is protected by a wooded dyke aligned with the river banks, leaving an opening to the south for boat access. A launching ramp equipped with rails facilitates the entry and exit of boats to the south.
The harbour master’s office is located on the north quay.
Information and contact
Here is some additional information to locate the port of Carteau and contact its team:
- Phone:
+33(0)4 90 98 75 98 - GPS coordinates :
43.389441, 4.797335 - Address:
Port Du Phare, Carteau Sud, 13230 Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône
Antoine Jover Port location map
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