Aramon - Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône

Our destination today is Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône.

We are keeping an eye on the weather forecast for the next day and deciding to leave early. This way, we may get past the thunderstorm front that is expected to build up between Arles and Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône in the afternoon. If we're lucky, we'll be driving away to the south just before the front.

Arles is not on the itinerary, as the longing for the sea is too strong. As we pass by, we can see the buildings on the waterfront, it doesn't look particularly inviting, there is a small dock, and when we come back, we will moor there for a few hours.

As for the thunderstorm, we didn't quite make it. For the first time, the windshield wipers had to prove that they're not just for decoration. The lightning struck a few kilometers away. Within a few minutes, the temperature dropped from 24° to 17° and a strong wind blew in. The previously smooth Rhone showed us that it can also handle waves. I decided to continue driving from the lower wheelhouse.

To the south of Arles, the Rhone borders the Parc naturel régional de Camargue to the east. Not much of the park can be seen as the Rhone is accompanied by a wooded riverbank along the entire route.

It only opens up in the last kilometers before Port-Saint-Louis.

Just before Port-Saint-Louis, opposite Salin-de-Giraud, the Canal du Rhône à Fos branches off, but we follow the Rhone.

You cannot enter the sea directly via the Rhone, but you have to take the detour through the port and then head west.

You should allow some time for the last lock in Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône. The lock only opens at certain times. We had to wait a little. With the wind that had already picked up, it wasn't particularly pleasant. When the lock opens for fifteen minutes, you should quickly take your place in the lock. The fishermen know the times and have set their watches to the opening hours. The boats come from all directions in no time, and before you know it, there is no room left.

We then moored at the long wall on the waterfront in the port, there were already a few boats there. After the traditional arrival beer, we were asked by the harbor master to find another place.

So, we moved and had another beer.