Plage de la Basse Benaie, Sandy beach in Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, France.
Description
Plage de la Basse Benaie extends approximately 400 meters along the Atlantic coast, mixing fine sand with natural rock formations that shape its landscape. The layout creates distinct zones where visitors encounter changing conditions as they move along the shore.
History
The shore holds traditional fish traps, ancient stone structures built to capture fish as tides shifted, remnants of centuries-old fishing practices. These structures stand as evidence of how local communities have worked with natural forces to sustain themselves.
Culture
The shore remains tied to fishing traditions, where locals venture into rocky areas during low tide to gather shellfish and crustaceans as they have for generations. This daily practice connects visitors to how people here have worked with the sea for centuries.
Practical
Swimming is safest during high tide when rocks are submerged, as low tide exposes numerous obstacles in the water. Free parking is available near the municipal camping site, making it easy to reach the shore.
Did you know?
From the shore, visitors can spot Oléron Island and the Lilleau des Niges National Nature Reserve across the water, both important sites for observing marine life. This vantage point lets travelers see how this beach fits into the region's wider natural areas.
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The Île de Ré reveals preserved sites beyond its main destinations. The salt marshes of Loix and the Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve host more than 300 species of migratory birds, while the Baleines Lighthouse offers a view of the Atlantic Ocean. Beaches such as Trousse Chemise and Les Grenettes...
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