Sainte-Anne

19.6°C Water temp · Jun 8

France Coastal 1 - Excellent 19.6°C

Satellite image of SAINTE-ANNE — Satellite image © Esri

La Tranche-sur-Mer is a coastal municipality in southern Vendée, approximately 45 km from Les Sables d'Olonne, with 13 km of coastline designated as bathing areas. The municipality covers 17.63 km² and has a permanent population of approximately 2,540 residents, expanding to about 100,000 during the summer season. The bathing waters are subject to a vulnerability profile study conducted in 2010 to comply with European Directive 2006/7/CE regarding bathing water quality.

Reviews

No reviews yet.

Write a review

Photos

Upload a photo

Water

Coastal bathing areas along the Atlantic littoral of southern Vendée. Two principal water basins serve the area: the interior Lay basin with a hydrographic area of 1,977 km², and the coastal basin where stormwater is either directed to beaches via storm drainage networks or infiltrated into the ground.

Location

La Tranche-sur-Mer is situated on the southern Vendée coast, approximately 45 km from Les Sables d'Olonne. Bathing zones extend across 13 km of littoral.

Water Quality

The study includes regular monitoring of bathing water quality with analysis campaigns conducted during the 2009 season. Water quality correlations were examined with rainfall, tidal height, tidal coefficients, and wind conditions. Shellfish harvesting zones are classified as Category A (non-burrowing bivalves such as mussels and oysters), with burrowing bivalves and echinoderms remaining unclassified. Quality assessment criteria for shellfish harvesting distinguish zones A, B, C, and D based on E. coli contamination levels.

Risks

Potential pollution sources identified include stormwater networks in the city centre with outlets to beaches, wastewater treatment systems, and activities in the watershed including tourism-related commercial establishments. Foot traffic of approximately 1,030 recreational shellfish pickers occurs during peak summer months. The study identifies the need for stormwater pollution abatement measures and wastewater system reliability improvements.