One of those dynamic beaches in a constant state of flux, Plage du Sillon is three kilometres of fine sand beginning just north of the walled city.

On the edge is a great embankment, built at the turn of the 20th century and spanning more than a kilometre and a half.

This makes for easy strolling at any time of year, to work up an appetite and see the kites at low tide.

On gentle summer days families come for the smooth sand and can bathe in the shallow rock pools on the western edge by Fort National.

Then on blustery winter days the sea will crash against the embankments at high tide