As vacationers start getting ready for their getaways along the Atlantic coast, the association Eau & Rivières de Bretagne has just unveiled its 2026 ranking "La Belle Plage". Based on official analyses from the regional health agencies (ARS), this study examines 1,869 swimming spots in France. While 77% of the beaches show satisfactory water quality, some areas in Nouvelle-Aquitaine find themselves among the lowest ranked in the country.
A beach in the Landes ranks at the bottom of the national ranking
The most concerning situation is at the plage du Courant in Mimizan, located in Landes. According to the association, it ranks last in the national classification with a quality rate below 50%. The reason? Recurring episodes of pollution from fecal origins that could pose health risks, especially for children and the elderly.
s or fragile individuals.
Several Atlantic beaches involved
Other sites in New Aquitaine are also among the least well-rated beaches in 2026. These include: Graveyron Beach in Audenge, on the Arcachon Bay; La Concurrence Beach in La Rochelle; Socoa Port Beach and Socoa Beach in Ciboure (Pyrénées-Atlantiques); Grande Plage Sud on rue Garat and Grande Plage Nord at the horse ramp in Saint-Jean-de-Luz; La Barre Beach in Anglet; North Beach of Port-des-Barques (Charente-Maritime) and North Beach of Châtelaillon-Plage.
According to the rankings, these sites all report over 30% of days presenting a risk of pollution, meaning about 1 in 3 days where swimming is not recommended.
A coastline generally of good quality
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