If you areconsidering import and export businesses via France coastlines through its ports, you should read this guide first.
It explores all the vital ports in France you can use for your logistics business. You will learn about the ports location, cargo handling capacity, management and other vital information about each port.
Let’s explore the main sea ports in France:
Busiest Ports in France
1. Port of Marseille (Fos-sur-Mer)
- Location of Port: On the Mediterranean coast of southern France, Bouches-du-Rhône department, Marseille with coordinates 43.2965° North and 5.3698°
- Port Code: FRMRS
- Port Capacity Handling Yearly: Can handle over 80 million tons of cargo.
- Management of Port: Managed by the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille (GPMM)
Since its establishment many centuries ago, this port has played a major role in pushing the country to the fore. This port is the largest in France. It is also the main gateway to Europe. If you want to ship your items or good to and from France, the Port of Marseille has all you need. It has the Fos Container Terminal and exceptional facilities for cruise ships. For your gas, oil, and container handling needs, this port has specialized terminals.
2. Port of Le Havre
- Location of Port: At the edge of the Seine River coast of southern France,Normandy region, Le Havre, with coordinates 49.4939 ° North and 0.1077°
- Port Code: FRLEH
- Port Capacity Handling Yearly:Has handling capacity of more than 70 million tons of cargo.
- Management of Port: Managed by Haropa Port
Since 1517, the Port of Le Havre has grown into one of Europe’s renowned container ports. It has a container terminal with the capacity of 3 million TEUs yearly. The port also has advanced logistics facilities. It is linked to the Seine Valley for simple and ready access to Central Europe and Paris.
3. Port of Dunkirk
- Location of Port: Close to the Belgian border, Hauts-de-France region, northern France, Dunkirk with coordinates 51.0333° North and 2.3775° East
- Port Code: FRDKK
- Port Capacity Handling Yearly: Is able to handle over 50 million tons of cargo.
- Management of Port: Managed by the Grand Port Maritimede Dunkerque (GPMD).
The Port of Dunkirk takes the lead in the area of bulk cargo, such as grain, liquid bulk, and coal in France. The port has the finest LNG terminal and steel processing structures or facilities. It additionally aids container shipments and passenger ferries into the United Kingdom.
4. Port of Nantes- St.-Nazaire
- Location of Port: On the Loire River estuary, Pays de la Loire region with coordinates 47.2713° North and 2.2105°
- Port Code: FRNTE
- Port Capacity Handling Yearly: Capable of handling ideally 30 million tons of cargo.
- Management of Port: Managed by the Grand Port Maritime de Nantes-Saint-Nazaire.
The port since 1925, has been in existence. Over the years, it has grown into the main energy and industrial center of the country. It handles LNG, bulk cargo, and automotive shipments. The St. Nazaire shipyard, for instance, is renowned worldwide for large cruise ships constructing.
5. Port of Rouen
- Location of Port: On the Seine River, Normandy region, Rouen with coordinates 49.4432° North and 1.0999°
- Port Code: FRURO
- Port Capacity Handling Yearly: Port is capable of handling approximately 25 million tons of cargo.
- Management of Port: Managed by Haropa Port.
The port of Rouen was established during Roman era. This should tell you it has been in existence for centuries. Due to this, the management and growth of the port has seen so much transformation. The port specializes in agricultural exportation of mainly grain. Its inland location is linked to Paris through the Seine River, therefore, making clear its value for international and domestic trading.
6. Port of Bordeaux
- Location of Port: On the Garonne River, Nouvelle-Aquitaine region with coordinates 44.8378° N and 0.5792°
- Port Code: FRBOD
- Port Capacity Handling Yearly: Capable of handling approximately 9 million tons of cargo.
- Management of Port: Managed by the Grand Port Maritime de Bordeaux.
This port focuses on liquid and bulk cargo handling like exportation of wine. It has well developed and specialized terminals that support energy as well as aerospace industries. The Bordeaux wine industry greatly gains from the facilities of the port.
7. Port of La Rochelle
- Location of Port: On the Bay of Biscay, Nouvelle-Aquitaine region with coral 46.1603° N and 1.1.1511° W
- Port Code: FRLAR
- Port Capacity Handling Yearly: Can handle around 10 million tons of cargo.
- Management of Port: Managed by the Grand Port Maritime de La Rochelle
The Port of La Rochelle is mainly a deep-water port. It focuses ideally on bulk cargo, such as construction and grain materials. It is also a major player and leader in renewable energy logistics, aiding offshore wind projects. It was established in 1360.
8. Port of Brest
- Location of Port: On the western tip of France, Brittany region with coordinates 48.3904° N and 4.4861° W
- Port Code: FRBES
- Port Capacity Handling Yearly: Handles approximately 2 million tons of cargo.
- Management of Port: Managed by the Regional Council of Brittany.
The port is unique for its naval and industrial logistics. It perfectly features ship repair facilities and aids renewable energy systems, like marine turbine assembly.
9. Port of Toulon
- Location of Port:On the Mediterranean coast, Provence-Alpes-Côte with coordinates 43.1242° N and 5.9280°
- Port Code: FRTLN
- Port Capacity Handling Yearly: Capable of handling around 1.5 million tons of cargo.
- Management of Port: Managed by the Toulon Port Authority.
The Port of Toulon has always been a primary passenger and military Port. Since the 15th century, the port has been in use. It provides ferry services to North Africa and Corsica. Also, it aids naval operations for the French Navy.
10. Port of Calais
- Location of Port: On the English Channel, Hauts-de-France with coordinates 50.9513° N and 1.8587°
- Port Code: FRCQF
- Port Capacity Handling Yearly: Can easily handle approximately 44 million tons of cargo.
- Management of Port: Managed by Sociétéd’Exploitation des Ports du Détroit.
The port of Calaisis the busiest passenger port in Europe. It was established in the year 1347. The port handles ferries to the United Kingdom. It additionally aids freight transport, mainly RoRo or roll-on/roll-off cargo.
Less Busy Ports in France
11. Port of Dieppe
This port is incharge of regional freights and ferry services to the United Kingdom. Therefore, it has great international appeal where freight forwarding is concerned.
12. Port of Cherbourg
The port of Cherbourg is renowned for its naval base and deep-water docks.
13. Port of Boulogne-sur-Mer
This port is a leader where fishing ports in France are concerned. It has and still pushes the fishing sector of the country.
14. Port of St. Malo
This port is famous for its ferry and maritime tourism services. It also has modern terminal infrastructure.
15. Port of Roscoff
The port of Roscoff is the main port for ferries to Ireland and the United Kingdom.
16. Port of Bayonne
It is ideal for agricultural exportation and industrial goods to other regions of the country.
17. Port of Sète
The port of Sète aids bulk cargo as well as cruise ships within the Mediterranean.
18. Port of Lorient
This port is a major shipbuilding and fishing center in France.
19. Port of Nice
The port mainly serves regional ferries and yachts in the Riviera. It enhances the tourism industry of the region.
20. Port of Ajaccio
This port is a major and an important hub for ferries on Corsica.
21. Port of Bastia
It is a major commercial and passenger port on Corsica. It handles various commercial goods with its well-integrated infrastructure and logistics.
22. Port of Caen
The port of Caen aids regional trade through the Canal de Caen àla Mer. Its right location and logistics makes it a vital regional trade Port.
23. Port of St. Brieuc
This port focuses mainly on the maritime tourism industry and small scale cargos. It has well developed terminals and logistics as well.
24. Port of Granville
The port of Granville is famous for local trade and oyster farming. This port pushes the oyster industry with its specialized logistics and infrastructure.
25. Port of Quiberon
This port serves ferries to islands that are closer. So, it works within the country from region to region.
26. Port of Concarneau
The port of Concarneau is a major port for ship repair and fishing in France. It supports the fishing industry greatly.
27. Port of St. Tropez
This port is famous for its tourism and luxury yachts. You will find many tourists visiting the port and region year in and out.
28. Port of Port-Vendres
This port is centered more on fruit importing and fishing. It also supports the fish farming community of the region greatly.
29. Port of Hyères
The port aids ferries to the Iles d’Hyères with its well laid connections.
30. Port of St. Cyprien
This port although small plays a major role in the region and for the country. It supports local fishing and is the center for leisure boats within the region.
Conclusion
The ports of France shows how strong its maritime systems are. It also shows how unique they are. With the information about each port in France, you can easily decide which facility is best for your shipment.
And, if you are having trouble shipping from China to France, Bansar is here for you – contact us now.
More resources:
Shipping from China to France – Source: BANSAR
France Freight Forwarder – Source: BANSAR
