Passage du Gua —the road that is sinking

The transport arteries that are buried in water and mud, it is unlikely that today someone will surprise you, because due to natural disasters in just one year, more than 1,000 flooded roads on different continents.

But the road, which will be discussed in this article, is really unusual. Passage du Gois (Passage du gois) is not just another highway that man has created for comfortable movement, this is a road created by nature itself. It is located in France and connects the continental part of the state to the island of Noirmoutier ("Black monastery"), passing through the Gulf of Burnie.





The history of this unusual phenomenon rooted in the first Millennium ad. According to the Chronicles, at that time on Noirmoutier island was a prison. Once put in it the prisoners of the Normans, and what was the surprise of the authorities when it was discovered that they had disappeared. The reason for the disappearance admitted leaving the island, perfect for a sand spit, formed by two currents. Then, in the year 834, it was first mentioned that nature created the road. Until then, the only way to get to the island was considered a boat.

    








Later, the scythe was used as a land route to the island. And in 1701, this natural phenomenon was mapped as a way by land from the Vendee (Department in France) to Noirmoutier. Over time, the natural way fortified with stone pavement, it began to ride horses and later cars.

A feature of this road is its "mode of operation": it almost round the clock is under water, and at a considerable depth (from 2 up to 4 meters). And only the morning and evening low tides provide the opportunity to walk or drive on the Passage du gois. Unique way and his of slowness of 4.5 km, which is 1.7 km long road, "Miracle of Moses" in South Korea.



      

Its popularity among tourists unusual it has been awarded for many reasons. First, it is a kind of attraction: if You didn't get there in time to get onto land, it rapidly staying the water will make You quickly climb into a specially equipped tower. These towers serve as rescue Islands for those tourists who don't pay attention to the huge signs installed on both sides of the entrance to the Passage du gois. It is on these marks indicate the exact time stay safe on the road. And those who don't manage to reach the shore by car is not very lucky – the water level rises quickly, flooding the car. Drivers are forced to flee to the nearest tower. By the way, as the island side and mainland side there is a special rescue posts, where experts are on duty, to help "stuck" on the towers for the tourists to reach land. As usual, on special boats rescuers take from 3 to 10-12 such extreme a day.









The second reason for the popularity of the Passage du Gua serves the island of Noirmoutier. This little piece of sushi is rich in sights: the castle of the Vikings (the castle is well preserved and now a Museum), vast plantations of expensive luxury potato "La Bonnotte" (for 1 kg of vegetable in this class please from 450 to 600 euros), and the island has many luxury villas, which are rented, and very beautiful scenery.





Though in 1971 and was built a bridge that makes it easy to get from island to metric and Vice versa Passage du gois remains the most popular way to Noirmoutier.

Interesting fact: the Passage du gois, a yearly championship run of "les Foulées du Gois" in 1999 there was even conducted a well-known Tour de France.

Source: mif-facts.com.ua