A Personal Guide to The Ports of the Channel
Nicholas Hill
Tréguier
One of my favourite Brittany ports - a straightforward run from Peter Port, with the Roches Douvres a good half way mark. Entrance into the River de Tréguier is well marked, although it needs some care over the pilotage. Probably not to be attempted in the dark.
The town itself is very attractive, although it is a steep walk up from the marina. There is a large supermarket a little further on, but again something of a walk. Across the bridge is a very interesting chandlers cum store.
The area does look interesting on the chart, but all the major hazards are well marked.
finding it
If you're coming down from Guernsey, you come fairly close to Roches Douvres and Barnouic, although both are very well marked. The Roches Douvres lighthouse is a good half way marker. Beware of cross tides, however.
Les Heaux lighthouse (Oc (3) WRG 12s) is visible a long way off. If approaching from the north, this needs to be left well to port.
From the west, you need to find Basse Crublent (Fl (2) R 6s). Follow the entry channel from there.
Coming round from Lézardrieux, there is a short cut known as the Moisie. You need to study the chart carefully for this one!
getting in
There are several ways into the river: which you pick depends on where you're coming from and how good you think your pilotage is! They are all well marked, however.
All the leading lines converge on a small green bouy, and then you turn to La Corne. From there, follow the bouys up the river, but be aware that the channel is not always obvious. It is, however, well marked.
hazards
Lots of hazards, but all well marked. If the visibility is good, it is quite straightforward. If hazy or dark, you will need to feed a succession of waypoints into your GPS.
berthing
... can be interesting! The tide flows extremely fast, particularly on the outer berths. Do NOT try to berth downtide unless you are very very confident in your boat handling.
The usual caveats about French pontoons apply!
facilities
Loos and showers in the capitainerie. Tokens available at the bar.
charts and waypoints
Chart 3670 - Les Sept Isle to L'Ost Pic.
Google Earth
Move your mouse over the numbers below to see the photograph in question
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| having made your way in past Crublent | La Corne marks the entry to the river | First glimpse of the town | The river is well marked with bouys (altho it does meander) | Reds are even numbered ... |
Move your mouse over the numbers below to see the photograph in question
| 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
| Final corner (and watch for the markers) | Chateau on the bend | The commercial quay | The marina (fuel is on this pontoon) | And the final approach. |
All photographs copyright CNH/COH. Please ask if you wish to use them and please acknowledge the source.