Plage aux Coquillages, Shell beach on Île-d'Aix, France
Plage aux Coquillages is a beach on the eastern shore of Île-d'Aix combining sand with an abundance of shells from wild oysters that form a distinctive natural surface. The water's edge and surrounding zone are densely covered with these shell fragments.
This beach was once a traditional fishing location and has transformed into a recreational destination. The shift reflects broader changes in how coastal communities in Charente-Maritime now use their waters.
Local artisans gather shells from this beach to craft maritime-inspired decorative items, maintaining a long-standing regional tradition of working with natural shells.
Access requires a ferry to reach Île-d'Aix, with the beach located near the Maison de la Nacre museum. Wear sturdy shoes as the shell-covered ground can be uneven and have sharp edges.
At low tide, extensive rocky formations emerge covered with millions of empty shells that form natural patterns across the surface. This layering reveals how marine activity deposits shells over time.
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