Dune of Pilat, Sand dune in La Teste-de-Buch, France
Description
The Dune of Pilat stretches 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles) along the Atlantic coast, rising to a height of 106.6 meters (350 feet) and covering 1.35 square kilometers (330 acres). At its base lies a pine forest, while the eastern side slopes gently and the western face drops steeply toward the ocean, where a wide sandy beach runs along the water.
History
Archaeological excavations at the base in 2013 uncovered burial urns and objects from 800 BC, showing early human presence. The current form took shape around 4000 years ago through sand deposits that have shifted constantly over centuries with wind and weather.
Culture
The name Pilat comes from the Gascon word Pilhar, meaning heap or mound, reflecting the local language of the Gironde. Today visitors climb the steep face or use the wooden staircase, while others paraglide from the top or simply take in the view over forest and ocean.
Practical
The site receives over two million visitors each year, with rules prohibiting camping, fires, and motorized vehicles to protect the environment. The climb can be tiring in heat and strong wind, so visiting early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler makes the experience more comfortable.
Did you know?
Winter storms with winds reaching 175 kilometers per hour (110 miles per hour) have caused major changes to the structure, showing constant transformation. The sand moves several meters inland each year, slowly swallowing parts of the forest behind it.
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Is it a peak? Is it a rock? No, it is a dune! It is even the highest in Europe at 102 meters tall (this varies from year to year). It moves approximately 1 to 5 meters inland each year, gradually engulfing the forest behind it. Interestingly, excavations have revealed the presence of a Roman camp under the dune!
It goes up, it goes up, but it's worth it!
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