Want to take advantage of the high tides in Andernos? Here we go, follow the guide!
We promise, we are not going to launch into a long tirade explaining to you that the full or new Moon, through the effect of attraction, has an influence on the tides; that this phenomenon is a story of alignment of the planets and that it is therefore the force of gravitation which creates the tides, classified by coefficients. And if the number is greater than 100, it's a big tide! Ah damn, too late... We did it anyway. Well, at least now you know a little more about the phenomenon. Now, it’s time for our “tips” to take full advantage of it.
- The to do list of things to do to take advantage of the spring tides.
Today is D-Day. The tidal coefficient is 107, you have just checked it on the tourist office website https://andernos-tourisme.fr/pratique/marees-du- day/ (have you seen how professional we are?), you are ready to take advantage of this celestial event (are we overdoing it?).
Hop, hop, hop, not so fast! Here is a list of ESSENTIAL tips to enjoy it without putting yourself in danger.
High tides okay, but safety first!
Well OK… we may have adapted a Road Safety slogan a bit, but it’s serious! At high tide or low tide, the pool can sometimes surprise you, so it's better to make sure you have anticipated everything.
1. Always bring suitable clothing: leave the flip-flops in the car and wear closed shoes (yes, shells cut it!) which you will find in any good specialist store, even in summer!
2. Watch the tide (the height? the power?): the phenomenon of high tides accelerates the descent of the waters, and, by contrast, also the rise! Be careful.
3. Anticipate the weather: we know the weather forecast, they predict plenty of sunshine all week and when we arrive at the beach, bam it starts to rain... We will therefore have to think about preparing for any eventuality (water for keep yourself hydrated, a hat to protect you from the sun, an oilskin in case of showers, ... in short, you get the point).
Are we exaggerating? Yes, maybe a little
4. Take care! Walking on the sand just revealed by the tide just for us is magical. Except that we can quickly lose track of time and distance. Be careful not to overestimate yourself... you will have to remember to reach the shore in time!
5. Find out about fishing rules: Like everywhere, shore fishing is regulated in the Arcachon basin. Take a mesh ruler to make sure you don't pick up shells that are too small. It is also prohibited locally to fish for oysters. More information on the site http://www.beta-papl.com/je-suis-pecheur/reglementation/la-reglementation-nationale/
Our favorite spots to enjoy the spring tides
At the tourist office, there is debate between the low tide team and the high tide team... As a result, each has its own good addresses to take advantage of the big coefficients.
Team low tide
For lovers of walking on the sand or fishing on foot, here are our favorite sites:
- The Quincunxes
- Along the pier
Team high tide
To see the water (very) up close, we recommend:
- Le Mauret near the municipal swimming pool, safe behind the dike
- The Quincunxes
With all this information, you are ready to take advantage of the next important coefficients. And if you post photos on your Instagram or Facebook accounts, don't forget to tag us ;) #andernostourism.