39 bombs wash up on Gironde beach following World War Two bunker collapse
Shells were defused by experts but prefects warn others may remain
Many of the shells were submerged in the water before being defused
Préfecture maritime de l’Atlantique
A demining operation was carried out this weekend in Gironde, after 39 World War Two-era bombs were found near Arcachon Bay.
The bombs were discovered at Horizon beach, Lège-Cap-Ferret, where a World War Two bunker had recently collapsed due to coastal erosion.
The bombs were ‘1917’ model 75mm French shells, possibly stored in the bunker by Axis troops quartered there as back-up munitions.
Demining experts from Brest were called to the site, disarming 35 shells on Saturday and the final four on Sunday, said the Atlantic maritime prefect in a press release.
High tide conditions meant the shells were submerged throughout much of the operation.
“The majority of the ammunition was unprimed and unfired. Casings and some priming devices (fuses) were also found at the site,” the prefecture said.
“Although old and obsolete, these munitions remain dangerous and require specialised handling,” the prefecture said.
“Further investigations suggest the possible presence of other munitions in the area.”
The discovery of World War munitions is relatively common in France, owing to numerous major battles fought across the country during both conflicts.
In March 2025, a World War Two bomb was found in Paris at the Gare du Nord train station, causing delays to train services including the Eurostar.
