Agde — Hérault River mouth
Agde · Embouchure de l'Hérault · Grau d'Agde
43°17.3'N 003°27.3'E
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Excellent Holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m on excellent mud/sand. River current — allow adequate swinging room. River banks provide Mistral shelter once inside. Allow for current in alarm radius setting.
About This Anchorage
The Hérault River mouth below Agde (Grau d'Agde) is the sea entry to one of the most historically remarkable towns on the Languedoc coast. Agde is built entirely of black volcanic basalt quarried from the nearby Mont Saint-Loup — the result is a unique townscape of black stone churches, bridges, and medieval fortifications that contrasts dramatically with the pale limestone and terracotta of other Languedoc towns. Founded by Greek colonists from Phocea (near modern Izmir) in 525 BC — making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited towns in France — Agde retains a genuinely authentic character away from the massive Cap d'Agde resort. The Agde Round Lock (Écluse Ronde d'Agde, built 1676) connects the Hérault River to the Canal du Midi — the most beautiful circular canal lock in France.
Protected From
N · NW · NE · E · W
Exposed To
S
Setting Your Anchor
- 1.DONIA app first: Before dropping anchor anywhere on the Gulf of Lion coast, open the DONIA app and verify no Posidonia meadows are present at your intended spot. Anchoring on Posidonia carries fines of up to €150,000 — no exceptions.
- 2.7:1 scope minimum: The Gulf of Lion demands maximum holding. Use at least 7:1 scope (chain length to depth) at Agde — Hérault River mouth. On sandy bottoms, reverse slowly to set the anchor firmly before trusting it.
- 3.Mistral escape plan: Before anchoring, identify your nearest marina or lagoon refuge and confirm you can reach it in deteriorating conditions. The Mistral can accelerate from 0 to 50kt in under 2 hours. Always have a plan before the anchor is down.
- 4.Set your anchor alarm to 80m immediately after anchoring. On this coast, you must know the moment your boat moves.
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
- Mooring buoys
- None
Restrictions: River current — allow for swinging and set adequate alarm radius. Check SHOM chart for minimum entry depth over the bar at the river mouth. Speed limit on the river: 6kt. VHF Ch 9 for river traffic. Canal du Midi entry via Agde Round Lock requires advance booking in peak season.
Hazards
- !River bar at mouth — check SHOM chart for current depth; can shoal after winter floods
- !River current up to 1kt — allow for this in swinging room and alarm radius
- !MISTRAL: River valley gives reasonable NW shelter but check forecast before overnighting
Skipper's Tips
- →Agde old town (built entirely of black volcanic basalt) is one of the hidden gems of the Languedoc coast — walk the black stone cathedral and medieval streets.
- →The Agde Round Lock (Écluse Ronde d'Agde, 1676) is an engineering marvel — worth visiting even if not entering the Canal du Midi.
- →This is one of the most authentic overnight stops between Sète and Béziers — considerably less touristy than Cap d'Agde.
Facilities
Agde old town has excellent restaurants in the black basalt streets around the cathedral. Good local wine and seafood.
Nearest provisions: Agde (2nm)
Best Months & Season
April, May, June, September, October, November
April–November. River mouth anchorage — most reliable in spring and autumn before summer crowds fill Cap d'Agde. Canal du Midi gateway.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Sleep peacefully at Agde — Hérault River mouth
The Mistral can arrive overnight on the Gulf of Lion — accelerating from calm to 50+ knots before dawn. The Tramontane at Leucate can hit 60kt without warning. Safety Anchor Alarm wakes you the instant your boat drifts beyond 80m, giving you time to act before the situation becomes critical.
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