Research on coastal shipping, coastal fishing and coastal communities have pointed out the important role that small ports have played along the maritime coast. This article highlights two different aspects, their functions and the specificities of port communities. They were first and foremost created to serve local and regional economies in the Middle Ages. Some were then integrated into the influential centres of command ports which controlled the Atlantic system from the 17th century, before being downgraded in the 19th century. In port villages and towns, the relationship with the sea did not necessarily bring about a division between the seafarers and the rest of the population. Regional footholds could be seen onboard boats with crews from the parish and in the joint-ownership system which activated local capital
