Port ostréicole de la Teste, Oyster harbor in La Teste-de-Buch, France.
The Port ostréicole de la Teste is an oyster harbor in La Teste-de-Buch where about 36 farmers work throughout the year. White wooden cabins line the water and serve as workshops and storage spaces for the oyster business.
The harbor was founded in 1841 and transformed from a shallow port for wine transport to a specialized center for oyster farming. This change shows how the economic use of the bay shifted over time.
The harbor shows the daily work of oyster farmers who use traditional flat-bottomed boats and methods passed down through generations. This way of working shapes the character of the place and how people connect with the water.
To reach the harbor, follow Avenue du Général Leclerc from Arcachon until you spot a large parking area on the left. From there, you can walk easily to the docks where you can watch the farmers at work.
A small lock system controls how boats pass through to reach the sea, creating a distinctive traffic pattern in the harbor. This technical detail shapes the daily work of all farmers who must skillfully navigate their boats through this narrow passage.
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