La Rochelle Marina in Charente-Maritime, western France, has started work on its 2027-2032 plan, asking boat owners, professionals, staff and institutional stakeholders for their views on the site’s future. The consultation began on 2 September and will run from 22 to 27 September, with further activity in November.
Covering 70 hectares on France’s Atlantic coast, La Rochelle marina at Les Minimes is one of the largest marinas in Europe, with more than 5,100 berths afloat, including 400 visitor berths. The marina provides electricity on pontoons and quays, sanitary facilities, a fuel pontoon, and bicycle and trailer rentals. Its boat-handling capacity is supported by three mobile lifts for vessels of up to 50 tonnes, alongside a 30-tonne self-propelled crane and two fixed electric cranes handling up to 2.5 tonnes.
At the old port, 18 jetties provide 390 berths, including 80 visitor spaces, across the tidal harbour, trawler basin and yacht basin. Further facilities at Port-Neuf include 65 berths across five mooring lines and 50 dry storage spaces.
The marina is looking ahead to how boating could change by 2032, including the services boaters may need, new uses that could emerge and changes to its infrastructure, equipment and buildings. The marina plans to gather input through interviews and workshops with boating professionals, technical meetings with institutional stakeholders and discussions with its staff.
The first discussion took place on 2 September, and the consultation will continue at the Grand Pavois from 22-27 September. Annual berth holders, visiting boaters and future users can also share their views through a questionnaire and at the marina’s stand, M16, with further workshops planned for November. The final plan is due for publication in spring 2027.
