The gates are dikes, functioning as locks, in order to control the amount of water that is in the marsh, so as not to suffer from fluctuations associated with high and low tides.
Cute little down with plenty of bars and restaurants. It's set up for tourists and locals alike. Le Velo Francette comes through here and you can join the route from here.
This ancient island in the Gulf of Pictons now overlooks the cereal fields from around fifteen meters. It offers a lovely view of Aiguillon Bay, La Rochelle and the Île de Ré bridge.