Low tide in Châtelaillon: our best activities | Office de tourisme Châtelaillon-plage

The secrets of the tide

Discover the power of the Moon!

You can see it every day at Châtelaillon-Plage: the tide rises and falls. A strange phenomenon!

Did you know? Every day, the ocean is subjected to two opposing forces. On the one hand, the Moon uses its super-power to attract the sea like a magnet. On the other, the Earth exerts its centrifugal force to push the Moon away. Pushed to one side, pulled to the other, the planet’s waters thus adopt a perpetual to-and-fro movement. This is the birth of the tide.

The sequence of a high tide and a low tide is called a cycle. In Châtelaillon, the ocean goes through two cycles a day.

Find out more about timetables

Shall we go for a swim?

Swimming is sacred! To take a dip, watch out for high tide: 2 hours before and 2 hours after, the coast is clear. “Psst, would you like some advice from a local? When the water rises, it warms up on contact with the alluvium. That’s because the station is at the end of the estuary. Make the most of it!

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What to do at low tide? Tide schedules See the webcam

Things to do at low tide in Châtelaillon

Explore the foreshore on foot

Crabs, crabs, prawns, razor clams and even clams are all within reach of a dip net at low tide. However, the flora and fauna of the foreshore remains fragile. The inhabitants of this ecosystem form a precious balance that must be respected and preserved. To achieve this, there are 3 simple rules:

We measure

Once caught, your catch of the day must not be too small. If it is, we’ll release it! To find out the authorised size for each species, there are two solutions: consult the information board at the entrance to Plage d’Orbigny or pick up a free ruler from your tourist office.

Weighing

5 kg per person per day, that’s the rule! Are you sure you need that many clams? Stay reasonable and pick only what you think you’ll use.

And back again!

The foreshore remains the home of every species you fish. Moving a rock means moving their home. Take the time to put each rock you lift back in its place and in the right direction. Without it, the life expectancy of its inhabitants is no more than 3 hours.

Discover family activities around the foreshore

©Professional photographer|Karine Bernard

Is the sea low?

Get on your bike and explore the surrounding countryside.

Follow the guide!

On the road with Terra Aventura

For those who want to take it easy

At low tide in Châtelaillon, you can also take a dip! Head to the Aquatic Centre for a day of 100% fun for all the family. The little ones can splash around in the indoor pools and fun water games, while the older ones can hurtle down the giant slides! As for mum and dad… shhh! they’ll be on cloud nine in the wellness area.

Find out more about the Châtelaillon Aquatic Centre

Prefer the atmosphere of the beach? Lift the sails with a special children’s Optimist course at the Centre Nautique. Let your sailors hoist high and take a moment to try out the yogga paddle. It’s all about balance!

For those who want to return to childhood

Memories come flooding back at low tide! It’s impossible to resist the funfair and its colourful attractions. They bring back magical moments that the whole family will want to relive. Ferris wheel or bumper cars? It doesn’t matter, as long as you’ve got some cotton candy!

Are we celebrating?

Pancake or ice cream? For an afternoon snack, you can choose between a delicious crêpe break at the Bains des Fleurs. You can sit on the sand and enjoy the crepes with the accessories provided by the crêperie. Alternatively, head to Les Dunes to get your fill of “hmmm” with homemade ice creams.

Our special selection for children

For a gentle holiday

For gallop addicts

Support your favourite jockey at the Châtelaillon racecourse while your children enjoy themselves in complete safety. Pedal sulkies, trampolines, orienteering races, wooden games and pony rides – everything is organised to ensure the whole family has a great day out!