La Motte

La Motte is a tidal island off Saint Clement's coast featuring an elevated clay surface surrounded by rock formations that distinguish it from the surrounding bay. The island rises noticeably above the nearby beaches and displays layers and structures that reveal thousands of years of settlement activity.

The island was inhabited as early as 1500 BC during the Bronze Age and was used again during later periods. Systematic excavations in the early 20th century uncovered significant remains from these early times and revealed the long history of human presence at this location.

The name La Motte refers to the island's distinctive mound shape, which has drawn people for thousands of years. Visitors can see traces of this ancient settlement woven into the landscape itself and understand how this place served communities across many generations.

Visiting is only possible at low tide when the island connects to the mainland, so tide timing is essential for planning your visit. Wear sturdy shoes and watch for uneven ground and rocks that can affect access to the site.

A large stone mound made of diorite blocks marks the eastern end and contains well-preserved bone remains at its center from very ancient times. This structure shows that people deliberately created places here to honor and remember their dead.