Pont du Diable, Natural limestone bridge in Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, France.
The Pont du Diable is a natural limestone arch along the Atlantic coast, rising from yellowish stone that stands out against the rocky shoreline. The formation was created through erosion and offers views toward the Cordouan Lighthouse in the distance.
Stone blocks were extracted from this site during the early 1600s and used to build the Cordouan Lighthouse nearby. This quarrying activity shaped the landscape and became an important resource for coastal construction projects.
The name comes from an old story about a fisherman who supposedly made a deal with the devil during a storm to create a safe passage through the rocks.
The formation is accessible year-round via La Corniche des Pierrieres pathway and sits less than 300 meters from the water's edge. The rocky terrain can be slippery, so sturdy walking shoes are helpful for exploring the area safely.
Traditional wooden fishing platforms called carrelets are perched on the rocky outcrop, allowing fishermen to catch shellfish and fish from the water below. These simple structures remain part of the working fishing heritage and show methods that have been passed down through generations.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
