Gallo-Roman Vivier

At Pointe de la Caille, the Gallo-Roman fishpond of Les Issambres testifies to the ingenuity of the Romans in preserving live fish and shellfish near the sea.

Located at Pointe de la Caille in Les Issambres, the Gallo-Roman fishpond is an exceptional testament to the ingenuity of the Romans. Passionate about fish and seafood, they built fishponds, basins supplied with seawater, to keep fish and shellfish alive before consumption or sale.

The one at Les Issambres is particularly remarkable: it is one of only two known freshwater fishponds in Gaul. Constructed using natural depressions in the rock, it consists of three interconnected basins separated by lime-plastered walls. Oriented north-south, it benefited from the prevailing winds and the movement of the waves to renew the water. The water could also be drained to the sea via channels equipped with lead sluice gates.

Classified as a historical monument in 1939, this rare site recalls the importance of the sea and fishing in the ancient economy of the coastline.