Sillon de Talbert, Natural reserve and shingle spit in Pleubian, France

Sillon de Talbert is a narrow shingle spit that extends far into the bay, shaping the Brittany coastline. The path consists of piled pebbles and sand with flat terrain that is easy to explore.

The spit began as a barrier beach anchored to the mainland at its south-west end and to an islet of the Olonne archipelago at its north-east end. Its disconnection from that archipelago, probably during the storm of 26 November 1703, turned it into a free-ended spit. Jean-Pierre Pinot estimated its retreat toward the coast at 0.5 m per year between the 18th century and the 1960s.

The name Talbert likely comes from Breton tal (front, border) and berr (short), giving "short front"; ber also means "the sturdy one", so it can read as "front that defends". Legend credits the fairy Morgane with building a pebble bridge from her island to reach Arthur, and a second story says Merlin raised the spit from the waves to join her.

Visit during low tide or as the tide is going out to walk safely on the spit. Be aware that conditions can change quickly, so it's important to check tide times and not stay for extended periods.

The spit was once attached to the Olonne archipelago, but a breach opened, probably during the great storm of 26 November 1703. Tidal currents kept the gap open, turning a barrier beach into a free-ended spit. The Olonne islets off the tip are granite outcrops and pebble ridges that resisted erosion.