Port-la-Nouvelle outer anchorage
La Nouvelle · Gulf of Lion waypoint
43°00.8'N 003°03.2'E
Depth
5–12m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
100m
Holding
Excellent Holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
100m
100m on clean sand. Excellent holding. Transit anchorage — port backup available. Open to SE/E.
About This Anchorage
Port-la-Nouvelle is a commercial port primarily serving the petrochemical industry — not a scenic destination, but a practical transit anchorage and emergency shelter on the flat Languedoc coast between Gruissan and Port-Leucate. The outer anchorage on clean sand offers excellent holding and adequate Tramontane shelter. A functional stop rather than a destination — useful when transiting the Gulf of Lion and needing a staging point.
Protected From
N · NW · W
Exposed To
S · SE · E
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Commercial port: maintain clearance from commercial vessel approach channels. Speed limit 5kt near shore. VHF Ch 12 for port coordination.
Hazards
- !Commercial vessel traffic in port approach — maintain clearance
- !SE/Marin swell enters from E
- !Tramontane can arrive suddenly — marina refuge available
Skipper's Tips
- →A practical staging point between Sète and Port-Vendres/Spain — not scenic but functional.
- →The port marina can take pleasure vessels — check availability on VHF Ch 12.
Facilities
Port has basic facilities and a few restaurants.
Nearest provisions: Port-la-Nouvelle (1nm)
Best Months & Season
April, May, June, September, October, November
Year-round capable — transit anchorage. Tramontane monitoring essential.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 100m
When the Tramontane builds to 40 kt overnight, Safety Anchor Alarm alerts you the moment your boat drifts — giving you time to act before the situation becomes dangerous.
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