Cruise from Pornichet to La Rochelle

If the tides are right we can visit Pornic, with its large marina a nice walk from the village. It’s a very pretty spot. The anchorages are alongside beaches close to holiday villas.Noirmoutier-en-I’lle is another resort village nearby and the isle of Yeu, both quiet places to overnight. In contrast Sables-d’Olonne is a big beach resort and one of the French yacht racing centres. We can moor up in the old fishing harbour alongside a street of restaurants. The town is full of small food shops so fresh breakfast croissants are easy to pick up.Nearer to La Rochelle are the isles of Ré and Oléron which are guarded by solid stone citadels to keep out ancient naval attacks. There’s always some sheltered bay to anchor in. Some outward transport options: fly from  Gatwick to Nantes or Rennes and train to Pormichet, train via Paris and Eurostar, or drive via St Malo or Cherbourg ferries. Some return transport options: fly from La Rochelle to Gatwick, train to Nantes or Rennes then fly to Gatwick, or train via Paris and Eurotunnel.