La Falaise

15.2°C Water temp · Jun 8

France Coastal 1 - Excellent 15.2°C

Satellite image of LA FALAISE — Satellite image © Esri

Locmariaquer is a peninsula in southern Brittany at the western entrance to the Gulf of Morbihan, covering 1100 hectares with a permanent population of 1669 that increases tenfold during summer. The commune features two bathing zones: La Falaise beach, oriented south and located in the southeast, and Saint Pierre beach, oriented southwest and located in the southwest. Both beaches are situated on the southern part of the municipality and are subject to significant tidal ranges with mean tidal coefficients around 65 and maximum coefficients of 116.

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Water

The bathing zones are located in a coastal bay protected from oceanic influence by the Teignouse causeway and islands of Houat and Hoëdic. The seabed is composed mainly of sandy deposits, small mudflats, and rocky platforms that are exposed at low tide. Mean water column depth is approximately 4.5 metres. Mean tidal range is approximately 65 with a maximum coefficient of 116 and maximum water column of 5.25 metres. Maximum current velocity during mean spring tides is 0 to 1.5 knots at La Falaise and 0 to 0.5 knots at Saint Pierre.

Location

Locmariaquer is a peninsula in southern Brittany (Bretagne Sud) at the entrance to the Gulf of Morbihan. La Falaise beach is situated to the southeast, oriented south. Saint Pierre beach is situated to the southwest, oriented southwest. Both beaches are located in the southern part of the commune. Parking areas are available, including one for motorhomes.

Water Quality

Water quality monitoring was conducted for bacterial contamination including Escherichia coli and coliform bacteria. Monitoring results showed correlations between bacterial contamination and rainfall episodes. Shellfish were tested for bacterial contamination. Potential for macro-algae and phytoplankton proliferation was assessed. Both bathing zones were classified according to water quality results.

Risks

Potential pollution sources were inventoried including direct pollution sources on the watersheds of both bathing zones, diffuse pollution sources, and non-collective sanitation systems in identified zones adjacent to both beaches. Rainfall episodes correlate with increases in bacterial contamination at both bathing zones.