The passage of Gois, in Vendée -

F. Perry / AFP

  • A woman drowned Monday evening after being trapped by the tide, on the passage of Gois.

  • The departmental council considers the possibility of putting up barriers to close access at high tide "complex".

It is an emblematic road of the Vendée, the link between the island of Noirmoutier and the mainland.

The Passage du Gois, this submersible route of about 4 km is also the scene of incidents with sometimes tragic outcomes.

On Monday evening, a 66-year-old motorist drowned there after her car was trapped by the rising tide.

Regularly, walkers or fishermen on foot are forced to take refuge at the top of one of the nine markers, while waiting to be taken care of by the emergency services.

The day after the accident, questions about access and security arise.

“Permanent concerns,” says Patrice Anglade, director of roads at the Vendée departmental council.

In theory, it is recommended that users only enter the passage between 1h30 before and after low tide.

This is indicated on each side by the signage in place (in French, English and German), more recently supplemented by light and flashing panels with the timetables.

The message “Stop, rising tide” appears when necessary.

"However, you can access it if you want," said a tourist.

The last time, we approached, the water was starting to cover the road so we obviously turned around.

But the installation of barriers might be appropriate, such as for level crossings.

"

"Closing is complicated"

A "false good idea" for the departmental council, which highlights the diversity of uses.

"There are those who cross for five minutes by car, others who walk and who stop fishing for several hours, explains Patrice Anglade.

There are also the oyster farmers who come out after the others… So closing is complicated.

Times can also depend on the weather or the tide coefficient.

Finally, people must not circumvent the barriers!

"

A reflection must be launched for the future and the upgrading of the Passage du Gois, after its classification as a “site of national and heritage interest” three years ago.

Security should be part of the discussions, but the avenues studied should be aimed more at improving information than at restricting access.

In the meantime, the departmental council calls on the common sense of users to avoid putting themselves in danger as much as possible.

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