In Saint-Malo, 1,000 breakwaters from Sillon beach will be examined.
About 500 of them will be replaced.
These stakes of wood cut from stingy oak were erected nearly 200 years ago to protect fortifications and dikes.
The site, which will start in early November, should last seven months, provided the weather conditions are not too unfavorable.
They have stood for nearly two hundred years like a rampart against the ramparts. In Saint-Malo, the wooden stakes planted in the sand of the Sillon beach are part of the decor. As of November 8, a thousand breakwaters will be pulled out of the sand to be examined and then put back in place. This state-led operation takes place within the framework of a transfer of powers in the flood control policy. But before giving up the dike and its 3,000 wooden piles in Saint-Malo agglomeration, the prefecture must restore them. About 500 excessively damaged breakwaters will probably need to be replaced. The other 500 will need to be groomed before being put back in place for decades. But what are they used for exactly? Lighting.
The first time these stakes were planted was just under 400 years ago.
About 300 of them had been installed from the hold of the Fan to the hold of the Piperie, as reported by the Regard de corsaire website.
In 1825, a Ponts et Chaussées engineer decided to install many more.
It was during this period that the 3,000 stakes known to all residents and tourists were installed.
Seven meters long and carved from stingy oaks which give them these sometimes quirky shapes, the stakes are driven a third into the sand in order to withstand the force of the elements.
Resold yes, but not to just anyone!
The Bridges and Roads wanted to protect the fortifications, seriously damaged during strong storms.
Their role has not changed since!
The breakwaters protect the Sillon dyke, often weakened by the powerful impacts of waves coming from the Channel.
Installed in staggered rows, they are able to slow down the waves, thus limiting their power when they hit the dike protecting the corsair city from submersion.
Emblems of the city and elements of Saint Malo's heritage, the breakwaters sometimes have to be replaced, as will be the case in November.
A colossal project which should last seven months and cost the State 1.7 million euros.
The 500 piles that will be set aside will be sold to Saint-Malo agglomeration for a symbolic euro.
The breakwater piles, Sillon Beach, Saint-Malo pic.twitter.com/t9VStFDMZD
- Jacques Madrol (@ jacqueskiki22) August 11, 2021
The community wishes to keep part of it to decorate the city but has received the agreement of the State to sell some to individuals, "on condition that they serve a strong heritage interest", warns the prefecture of Ille-et. -Ugly.
The proceeds will be allocated to heritage repair work, in particular the maintenance of the famous ramparts.
Masonry work will also be carried out at various locations on the Sillon dyke and the Palmié dyke.
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