Plage Gigaro

21.7°C Water temp · Jun 8

France Coastal 1 - Excellent 21.7°C

Satellite image of PLAGE GIGARO — Satellite image © Esri

La Douane is a bathing beach in La Croix Valmer, located on the French Mediterranean coast. The beach features predominantly sandy substrate with rocks at the eastern extremity, and is exposed to dominant south-westerly, easterly, and mistral winds. Water temperatures average 22°C in summer, reaching a maximum of 26°C. The beach has been classified as Type 1 bathing water, indicating no proven risk of pollution, with consistent 'A' (good quality) ratings from 2006 to 2009.

Reviews

No reviews yet.

Write a review

Photos

Upload a photo

Water

Mediterranean Sea beach. Sandy substrate with rocks at the eastern end. Gentle slope profile. Seagrass meadows (Posidonia and Cymodocaea) present 180 metres offshore, indicating good environmental quality. Infralittoral rocky areas with photophile algae located at the eastern edge of the beach.

Location

La Croix Valmer, commune in the Var region of France. The beach is located at the end of a watershed, 350 metres from a sewage collector running along the RD559 road, and 90 metres from another coastal collector serving the Gigaro district.

Water Quality

Water quality classification A (good) for monitoring years 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009. Type 1 bathing water profile indicating no proven risk of pollution. Heavy metals including cadmium, traces of diesel fuel, and surface-active agents detected in the watershed, characteristic of urbanized areas. Suspended solids (MES) indicate watershed sensitivity to erosion.

Risks

Potential phytoplankton proliferation (blooms) documented in Mediterranean waters; however, regular water mixing by summer thermal wind circulation is expected to limit bloom formation at this beach. Potential cyanobacteria concerns with blue-green discolorations and eutrophication possible under certain conditions. Urban stormwater discharge through the Ricarde river carries heavy metals typical of road traffic (RD559 and town centre). Risk of wastewater overflow from sewage network during heavy rainfall. Potential phytoplankton genera: Ostreopsis, Dinophysis, Prorocentrum, and Coolia.