Storm Ciara in Charente-Maritime – Photography of a Wild Coastal Tempest
When nature unleashes its power with grandeur. On the wild Atlantic coast of Charente-Maritime, Storm Ciara created a striking visual scene—crashing waves, graffitied bunkers, and golden filtered light colliding in a raw natural ballet.
Storm Ciara on the Wild Coast of Charente-Maritime
On February 10, 2020, Storm Ciara violently hit the wild coast of Charente-Maritime, offering a natural spectacle that was both awe-inspiring and dramatic. Powerful waves crashed onto beaches and over graffiti-covered WWII bunkers—silent witnesses to history—adding an unexpected urban texture to this wind-swept landscape.
The photographs captured during this extreme weather event convey the full intensity of the raging sea. Foamy breakers rolled in endlessly beneath golden light filtered through a rain-heavy sky. The pale dunes, shaped by strong gusts, were lined with traditional wooden fences—ganivelles—clinging stubbornly to the sand as the storm swept through.
In the distance, the La Coubre Lighthouse stands tall, striped in vivid red and white—a beacon in the storm. Located at the mouth of the Gironde estuary, this iconic Charente-Maritime landmark plays a vital role in maritime navigation and attracts many visitors each year. To learn more about its history and architecture, visit the Lighthouse Foundation page.
These images are an ode to the raw power of nature and the fragile beauty of coastal landscapes. Between threatening skies, furious waves, tagged bunkers, and wind-sculpted dunes, this photo series captures a suspended moment on the edge of chaos and harmony.
Sebastien Desnoulez presents here a photographic reportage that documents with precision and emotion the contrasts of a coastline in turmoil. A stunning visual immersion at the heart of the storm—one that invites contemplation and reminds us of the urgent need to preserve these vulnerable ecosystems.
About the author: Sebastien Desnoulez is a landscape and territory photographer. His work documents the contrasts between natural forces and human traces, combining visual poetry with environmental awareness.
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All the photos displayed on this website are copyright protected © Sebastien Desnoulez. No use allowed without written authorization.
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