Walking on water at the Gois Passage

Synopsis

Since the 18th century, a tidal causeway has been connecting the Noirmoutier Island to the mainland at low tide. It is called the the Gois Passage and it is unique.  Four kilometres long, it appears and disappears according to the tide. As well as being a tourist attraction, since 1987 it has become the venue for one of the world’s most unusual races. Once a year, thirty well-trained athletes are selected to compete against one another. Or perhaps it would be more appropriate to say that they compete against the rising tide…. From start to finish, through various encounters, we were able to immerse ourselves in the proceedings of the unconventional race that is Les Foulées du Gois. We were in the thick of it, including during the race. A race where it is often the least expected competitor who wins. A race where it is not the competitors who call the shots, but the tide itself.