Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône, France Cruises

Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône, France Cruise Port

Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhone is a port town at the mouth of the Rhone River in the south of France. The town came to be in 1904 as an industrial annex for the city of Marseille. Up until the 1980s, it was a thriving commercial port until a larger port was built not many miles away. While the port still does a modicum of shipping business, its primary focus is now tourism. The harbor and marinas are popular among yacht owners and sport boat enthusiasts, along with a steady flow of cruise ships during peak season. The local attractions include a barrage of parks, farmhouses, three spectacular beaches, herds of wild horses and marshes that house distinct wildlife, such as flamingos. During the week, the town holds an amazing, open-air food market where visitors can find fresh fruits and vegetables, many species of fish and a variety of local delicacies.

• Plage Napoleon (or Napoleon Beach) is an enormous beach where everyone is welcome. Swimming, biking, running, walking or just lying in the sun and enjoying the crowds are all popular activities on this prominent beach.
   
• Delta-Fishing is a deep sea fishery that conducts business around Plage Napoleon. Their group of guides aids fishermen in catching elusive blue-fin tuna, sea bass and leerfish.
   
• The Calanques are a collection of cliffs, creeks and island beaches that can only be reached by small boats generally rented at port. Guided tours will take you around the cliffs and rocks to show off the best and safest sights.
   
• La Palissades are a collection of plains and trails that are accessible by car. This is an excellent spot to see wild horses in all their free-range glory.