SEA-DEFENCE WORKS OF THE ATLANTIC COAST BETWEEN THE LOIRE AND GIRONDE

Abstract

Between the Loire and the Gironde, the Atlantic Ocean runs along a succession of zones, the level of which is lower than that of the Spring tides. The main ones are: In the North, the marsh of Vendee, between the Loire and the Bocage (woody district): 50,000 hectares. In the Center, the marsh of Poitou, between the Bocage and Aunis; 80,000 hectares. In the South, the marsh of Saintonge, between Aunis and Saintonge: 50,000 hectares. Natural defences (sand-hills, shingle beaches) exist in some places. But more often than not, the protection is assured by artificial defences. Seaside resorts (Chetelaillon, Royan) are protected by other works. Ahead of the coast line lie large islands (Noirmoutier, Re, Oleron) which include lowlands even more threatened than those on the continent. Therefore,this coast offers a great number of interesting works for the specialized engineer.