Les Barges

18.9°C Water temp · Jun 8

France Coastal 3 - Sufficient 18.9°C

Satellite image of LES BARGES — Satellite image © Esri

Plage des Barges and Plage des Granges are two bathing beaches located in Billiers, a coastal commune in France. These beaches are situated in an area subject to contamination from multiple sources including sewage systems, agricultural activities, and stormwater discharge. Water quality monitoring data from 1998 to 2023 shows microbiological contamination linked to rainfall, tidal coefficients, and river flow rates. The beaches are vulnerable to seasonal variations in bacterial concentrations, particularly E. coli and intestinal enterococci.

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Water

Coastal bathing water at two beaches in Billiers. The area is influenced by the Vilaine river estuary, whose position, circulation, and plume are modulated by wind direction.

Location

Billiers, a commune in France. Plage des Barges and Plage des Granges are accessible by vehicle; a height restriction barrier limits access to vehicles over 2.10 meters at Plage des Granges. Parking areas are available above Plage des Barges.

Facilities

Public toilets located rue du Port. Lifeguard services and signage indicating bathing zone regulations. Dog waste bags distributed at Plage des Granges entrance. Information panels at both beaches outline usage rules and dog access regulations.

Season

Monitoring conducted year-round; swimming season typically June 15 to September 15 based on climate data analysis.

Water Quality

Water quality classifications are based on E. coli and intestinal enterococci concentrations. Monitoring data from 1998 to 2023 shows seasonal contamination patterns, with higher bacterial concentrations during rainfall events. Identified pollution sources include collective sewage system dysfunction, non-collective sanitation installations, stormwater discharge, agricultural runoff, caravan park waste, public toilets, domestic animals, and seabirds. E. coli concentrations correlate with cumulative rainfall in the 24 hours preceding sampling and with Vilaine river discharge rates.

Risks

Bacterial contamination from sewage system overflows during rainfall events. Non-collective sanitation installations present contamination risk. Stormwater discharge from sewage networks. Agricultural runoff. Caravan park activities. Green algae (algues vertes). Phytoplankton proliferation potential.