Swimming not recommended or to be avoided on beaches in the Arcachon Basin
The latest beach ranking by the association Eaux et rivières has caused quite a stir. Published on May 24, the study on the quality of French beach waters points the finger at 4 beaches in the Arcachon Basin: La Hume and Canal in Gujan-Mestras labeled as "to be avoided" and Arès or Graveyron in Audenge considered as "not recommended". This news has sparked controversy and concerns bathers about the potential risks of taking a dip there. The other beaches in Gironde are either "recommended" or "low risk".
A growing controversy
To create this map, the association, recognized by the European Union, collected public data published by the French authorities suVisit the European Environment Agency website for the last four years. On their side, the mayors of the affected municipalities - Marie-Hélène des Esgaulx (Gujan-Mestras), Nathalie Le Yondre (Audenge), and Xavier Daney (Arès) - reacted in a joint statement deploring "a misleading and deceptive ranking regarding the quality of bathing water in our municipalities, based on questionable methodology, which undermines the reputation of our municipalities and raises unfounded concerns among our residents and visitors". Source: Sud-Ouest Bordeaux.
