The city of Camaret is a port of call steeped in history of Pointe Bretagne. The megalithic alignments of Lagatjar, which in 1776 still included over 600 menhirs, can be found here.
Under Louis XIV, the town was fortified by Vauban. He built the Tour Dorée to protect the entrance to the Goulet de Brest. In 1694, while still unfinished, the tower took part in the defense of Camaret, and its cannons successfully destroyed the Anglo-Dutch ships: over 800 enemies were killed. Today, the Vauban Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Just a stone's throw from the tower, the Notre-Dame-de-Rocamadour chapel was built in the 15th century e century, but its foundations date back to the 13th century e century. Take a look at the half-destroyed bell tower and the path leading up to it. Every first Sunday in September, the Pardon mass is held here, in memory of sailors lost at sea. To mark the occasion, the boats in the harbour display their large flags and escort the SNSM lifeboat, on board of which a prayer is said, broadcast on the radio. A wreath of flowers and a distress beacon are thrown into the sea, and all the sirens roar in unison.
Camaret has an important SNSM lifeboat station, founded in 1867, with the arrival of the first motorboat in 1929. In addition to the rescue service, the station receives many visitors in all seasons.
Lovers of old sailing ships will be able to admire La Belle Etoile, a replica of a 1938 langoustier dundee built in 1992 for the Fête de Brest, anchored in the center of the lake. Sailing trips are organized to the Rade de Brest, the Tas de Pois, as well as the islands of Molène, Ouessant and Sein.
Every year, more than 8,000 ships pass through, making Camaret one of the busiest ports of call. In fact, the town has 3 harbors, each accommodating 500 residents and 250 berths for visitors:
- Le Notic - with direct access to the downtown docks, it welcomes visitors on the outer corner ofannes A and E. Some 30 spaces are reserved for visitors.
- Le Styvel - residents only
- The Vauban can accommodate heavy-duty boats on pontoons 2 - 3 - 4 - 5, or on the breakwater (7) for larger vessels. 220 berths are available. Bring your bike or good shoes to get to the city center.
From May 15 to October 15, 20 white moorings are also available at the entrance to the port.
The harbor is protected by the cliffs of the Pointe du Grand Gouin and by a long pebble groove on which a granite jetty has been built. Access is not particularly difficult, but you need to watch out for floating fish ponds when coming from the north.
The Port Vauban sanitary area is buried between the chapel of N.D. de Rocamadour and the tower. This space gives the impression of descending into the catacombs... to take a shower. They're clean and well-maintained, but you'll have to spend ?2 to gain access. Please note that the port doesn't have a supermarket, and the fuel area only sells diesel. Please note: the port is a member of the Passeport Escales network.
To contact the port office on VHF 9 or 02 98 27 89 31
Administrative services are available 7 days a week, from 8am to 9pm in July and August, and from Monday to Friday from September to June.
Services
- Fresh water, electricity (220-380V) on all pontoons
- Gasoil available 24 hours a day with a credit card on the breakwater at Port Vauban.
- Telephone booths
- WIFI for a fee throughout the port
- Laundry at the Notic port office
- Repair yards, sailmakers, chandlers
- Free slipway
- Careening area
- Wintering on solid ground (Quai Téphany)
- Stem 12T5
La Camarétoise
We were able to talk to Marc, the sailmaker's manager, whom we thank for his advice... Sailmaking work. Replacement of shrouds, masts, booms, spinnakers : 02.98.27.80.31
