Port Maubert

Port Maubert is a small port in the Estuary where fishing boats with large nets and small sailboats come together in a festival of colors. Port Maubert succeeded an older port, Port Neuf, built inland at the foot of the Butte de Beaumont. The only vestige of this period, a lantern, at the top of the burrow of Beaumont, dominates the sea level by some 70 m. The opening at its top and the traces of smoke on the stone suggest that it was used to guide the people. boats entering the port, testifying to the importance of the trade movement with Bordeaux. The port of Beaumont was abandoned in the 16th century, its siltation making access impossible. The course of the channel was therefore rectified closer to the coast. Nestled at the bottom of a well-marked cove, exposed to north-westerly winds, the channel of Port Maubert is formed by the mouth of the Maubert stream in the Gironde. It is entirely dug in alluvial soil. In 1642, during the naval battles in Gironde between the French and English fleets, Richelieu landed at Maubert to regain the hinterland; and the English fleet stationed there and made use of this port for supplies. Today more of a marina with a slipway, Port Maubert accommodates some 70 to 80 boats. A rest area has been set up and an orientation table is installed.