Île de Groix — Locmaria
Groix · Locmaria anchorage
47°37.5'N 003°26.8'W
Depth
3–7m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Excellent Holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m on clean sand. Excellent holding. Good N shelter. Open to SE. Tidal range 4–5m — check depth before anchoring.
About This Anchorage
Île de Groix is a car-free island 8nm off Lorient with distinctive geology (the island has unique blueschist metamorphic rocks — the only exposure in France) and excellent sailing. Locmaria bay on the SE coast offers one of the finest sandy anchorages in S Brittany with good Atlantic swell shelter from the island. Port Tudy (the main port) has full facilities. The island is famous for its unique geology, migrating tuna, and spectacular coastline.
Protected From
N · NW · NE · W
Exposed To
S · SE · E
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Tidal planning required (4–5m range). Check depth before anchoring — some areas dry at LW springs. Speed limit 5kt near shore.
Hazards
- !Tidal range 4–5m — areas dry at LW springs; calculate depth carefully
- !SE/E exposure — Atlantic swell from SE
- !Strong tidal streams around the island headlands (2–4 kt)
Skipper's Tips
- →Hire bicycles at Port Tudy and circumnavigate the island — 8km and spectacular cliff scenery.
- →The blueschist rock at Locmaria (rare metamorphic type) is geologically unique in France.
Facilities
Small restaurant at Locmaria; Port Tudy (3nm) has full facilities.
Nearest provisions: Port Tudy (Groix) (3nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August, September
June–September. Tidal planning essential. One of the best Brittany island experiences.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
In Brittany's tidal waters, anchor drag can happen faster than anywhere in France. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your position continuously — so the tide change doesn't become a crisis.
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