Located on the Atlantic coast, Royan Atlantique is subject to the tides. While on vacation in Charente-Maritime, it's not uncommon to wonder what time high tide is so you can go swimming! We tell you all about this phenomenon and where to observe the high tides.
What is the tide?
Every day the ocean comes and goes every 6 hours. It is the phenomenon of tide. This variation in sea level is due to the positions of the Moon and the Sun and also to gravitational forces on the Earth. To this must be added the rotational movement of the Earth on its axis, its revolution around the Sun and the rotation of the Moon around the Earth. Thus, there is usually 2 full cycles per day : 2 high tides and 2 low tides, more or less important according to their coefficients.
When are the high tides?
The amplitude of the tide is conditioned by the position of the stars (Moon and Sun) in relation to the Earth. During full moons for both new moons, the Earth, the Moon and the Sun are aligned on the same axis. The gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun combine and the tides are therefore stronger. We speak of “spring tides” (coefficients between 70 and 120). Conversely, during the first and last quarters of the moon, the stars form a right angle, the attraction is less and the tides are low. These are “neap tides” (coefficients between 20 and 70).
Since the Moon's attraction is strongest, we observe the tides with the highest coefficients during new moons. Around a coefficient of 90, we speak of a "spring tide". To know when the tides occur high tides in Royan, just consult the tide schedule.
Where to see the high tides?
To admire the waves breaking on the coast, we offer a selection of the best observation spots:
- at the foot of the Coubre lighthouse in La Tremblade
- on the Douaniers trail, at the Puits de l'Auture and at the Pont du Diable in Saint-Palais-sur-Mer
- the Chay promenade in Royan
- Vallières point, near the Saint-Georges-de-Didonne lighthouse
- on the Caillaud cliff in the Gironde estuary
To also contemplate panoramas enhanced by the effect of high tide, we recommend:
- the channels of the Seudre at Mornac
- the Pointe de L'Éguille
- the bay of Talmont-sur-Gironde
Bonne Anse Bay in La Palmyre also surprises you at low tide, revealing its immense expanse of sand and marshland...
So, whether you are an amateur photographer or a simple walker, you do not venture out alone and you remain careful. To make the most of the spring tides, plan your stay. THE autumn holidays and winter vacation are ideal times: few people and wild nature. We are thinking of reserving in advance a Hotel or an vacation location in Royan and the surrounding area.
