Publication date: 07/17/2025
A lively marina at the heart of the Médoc
Port Médoc enjoys an ideal location: situated in Verdon-sur-Mer, at the gateway to the Atlantic Ocean and on the edge of the Gironde estuary, directly across from Royan. It lies just a short distance from Soulac-sur-Mer – a well-known seaside resort that attracts thousands of visitors every summer.
Accessible by both sea and land, the port of Le Verdon welcomes a wide variety of visitors: motorboat and sailing enthusiasts—often coming from ports along the estuary—as well as tourists arriving by road, eager to discover an authentic and still relatively undiscovered destination.
From a sailor’s perspective, what sets Port Médoc apart from other marinas on the Atlantic coast is its availability:
While many ports on the Atlantic seaboard are saturated, with boaters waiting months or even years for a berth, Port Médoc still has spaces available for boats between 8 and 10 metres, and even for larger vessels. For those looking for a convenient, welcoming marina without compromising on comfort, this is an opportunity not to be missed.
Shops and services at the marina
At Port Médoc, local shops play an active role in marina life: a variety of local businesses offer products and services for boating, exploring, and relaxing.
- Cordouan Plaisance Services
- Le comptoir des chantiers
- Neo Sailing Technologies
- La Fabrique
- Tyalan Accastillage
- Cercle Nautique du Verdon
- eXtreme Jet 33
- Fly Jet 33
- Paddle Center 33
- Médoc en Mer
- La Bohème
- Broc’n’Soul
- La Boutika
- Passion Cycles
- Color Your Life
- SEA
- Douceurs du Médoc…
A welcoming atmosphere, between tranquillity and sociability
Visitors are often drawn to Port Médoc by the preserved natural environment surrounding the marina. Those who love peace, open spaces and nature feel right at home! Nearby, wild beaches, forest cycle paths and coastal trails along the Atlantic offer a vast playground.
Whether for watersports, leisurely walks, fishing, or birdwatching in the estuary, the marina is the perfect starting point for a wide range of popular outdoor activities in the heart of nature.
“I love this port! I enjoy the calm that this place gives off.
As for the marina itself, a real advantage is the freedom to come and go as you please, whether it’s high or low tide. A few restaurants complete the setting.”Luc Mouche, Google Review (2024)
Within the marina, users – whether walkers, visitors, or boaters – enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
For dining, Le Bistrot du Port, Le Belem and le Ponton – the three portside restaurants – are well loved by both boaters and locals.
During summer, visitor numbers soar. Local residents, campers, and holiday home guests all come to enjoy the area. Though the marina maintains a tranquil atmosphere, its lively events programme ensures no one is ever bored.
Port Médoc can be explored solo, as a couple, with family, or with friends. The marina comes alive with summer events: terraces fill up, visitors stroll along the quaysides, mingle, and share in the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Port Médoc: family activities and festivities all year round
La Vigie: a key player in on-site activities
More than just a mooring spot, Port Médoc is a community hub. Throughout the year, a variety of events are organised – thanks in large part to the Club House La Vigie. Run by a handful of passionate volunteers, this group’s mission is to bring the marina to life, host events along the quays, and foster a strong sense of community among users.
To support La Vigie’s efforts, Port Médoc’s management has provided two commercial units where the volunteers can now organise their activities.
A rich and varied events calendar
From January through December, La Vigie hosts a broad programme of events. Whether young or old, local or just passing through, everyone is welcome to join in!
Events include barbecues, an Easter egg hunt for children, fishing competitions, and a Christmas market, where local craftspeople and businesses from the marina happily take part.
During the summer, Port Médoc hosts several night markets. These evenings offer marina users the chance to discover local produce, meet residents and shopkeepers, and enjoy moments of conviviality.
In 2025, the night markets will be held every Friday evening in July and August:
- Friday 11 July
- Friday 18 July
- Friday 25 July
- Friday 1 August
- Friday 8 August
- Friday 15 August
- Friday 22 August
- Friday 29 August
Fête des Pontons: A summer highlight at the marina
One of the major highlights of the summer calendar at Port Médoc is the Fête des Pontons (Pontoons Festival). This year, it will take place on 19 July, from early afternoon into the evening.
Organised for the third consecutive year by Club House La Vigie, in close partnership with the marina, this festive day is designed to be simple, friendly and inclusive, welcoming both boaters and the general public.
Programme: market, games, parade, dinner, and concert
This year’s Fête des Pontons will start with a rich and varied craft market, set up along the marina’s quays.
From 2 p.m., visitors can browse local creations, sample regional delicacies, and enjoy giant wooden games.
A street performance group – Asymétrik, from Nantes – will animate the port throughout the afternoon.
To enhance the festive feel, boaters are invited to decorate their boats and take part in a parade on the water in the estuary.
In the evening, a seated outdoor dinner will be held, exclusively for berth holders. The catering will be provided by La Cuisine de Len, a highly regarded local chef chosen by the organising team.
Finally, the band The Pulse will perform a free, open-air concert on the quays from 10 p.m. to midnight.
The Port Adhoc team is looking forward to this event! Last year’s Fête des Pontons was a great success, with the quality of the food and the lively, friendly atmosphere receiving enthusiastic praise from participants.
