A 2024 Summer Under Rain… and Under Thresholds
Last summer's heavy rains didn't spare the Aquitaine coast. In Gujan-Mestras, Hume Beach, known for its family-friendly vibe and tranquil waters, has seen a significant drop in water quality. With a ERB score of 67.65, it has now made it onto the list of “beaches to avoid”, landing at 1790th place out of 1858 in the national ranking of La Belle Plage 2025.
The impact of bad weather on water quality
Experts agree: heavy rain leads to overflow in sewage systems, as well as runoff of agricultural pollution in sensitive areas. The result? Cloudy water that might be dangerous and not ideal for summer swimming.
La Hume isn't an isolated case. 83 beaches rated "low risk" in 2024 are now "not recommended" in 2025. While the beaches listed as "to be avoided" are slightly fewer than in 2024, this is sometimes simply because they have been closed or left unclassified by the health agencies. Fortunately, La Hume is the only one in the Arcachon basin to fall into the red category. On the other hand, 3 other local beaches are not recommended: the canal in Gujan-Mestras, Graveyron in Audenge, and the Amenagée.
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Increased Vigilance on the Basin
This downgrade calls for caution. While the place retains its natural charm and beautiful view of the basin, the association Eaux & Rivières strongly advises against swimming for this season. This is essential information for theVacationers are often drawn to this peaceful spot on the southern shore. It's worth noting that the ARS, as the official health authority, has not issued any alerts regarding La Hume beach following its latest classification on July 22.
In general: 75.89% of French beaches remain classified as "recommended" or "low risk", but the overall trend is downward. With increasingly unstable weather, the quality of bathing waters is becoming a major health and ecological marker.
To avoid any risk of contamination, we remind you that the beach of Lacanau has been voted the cleanest in France with the best quality of bathing waters ever recorded.