Perhaps you've seen strange little creatures with blueish, sometimes purplish, reflections hanging around the water's edge... But what are they? Where do they come from? And above all, are they dangerous for us? We'll tell you everything about these mysterious velelles that are invading the beaches of Bandol, and more broadly, the Mediterranean coast.
La Vélelle: what is it?
The velella (Velella velella) is a species of pelagic cnidarian (hydrozoan). There you have it, that says it all. Sounds familiar, doesn't it? Don't worry, we don't understand much of these biological definitions either.
What we can tell you, however, is that this slightly gelatinous marine form which looks very much like a jellyfish, is not one at all! Velella is closer to the plankton family, you know, that little aquatic organism that wouldn't harm a fly. Well, for the velella, it's the same principle: they're harmless. So much so that you could easily hold them in the palm of your hand, because, unlike its sister in appearance, the jellyfish, the velella does not sting.
⚠️ Be careful though, sensitive skin, children and the elderly can sometimes feel itchy (always safe) in contact with these fakes purple jellyfish. So it's better to leave them on the sand for both you and them!
Why do velelles wash up on the beaches of the Var?
Photo taken in spring 2024.
Throughout their lives, the velella are carried by the gusts which, thanks to the small transparent sail perched on top of their body, steer them like a boat. In other words, they literally go where the wind takes themAnd that's the problem. Because, while we usually see them further offshore, in the spring they wash up on our beaches.
The reason for their sudden urge to dock: the wind, always him, and ocean currents. In the Mediterranean, between March, April and May, the southern gusts have the advantage of chasing away the clouds, but also of directing the sails of thousands of velelles towards the Var coast. Thus, creating a mass stranding on our beaches.
While this grim impulse may seem sad, it is in reality an omen of the return of fine weather for us. However, this beloved harbinger of spring has a drawback that can disturb more than one: its smell. Indeed, as it decomposes by the sea, a nauseating odor can arise. But don't panic, it doesn't last long.
The Velelles in Bandol: a new love story?
Photo taken in spring 2024.
The problem with all this is that, as far as anyone in Bandol can remember, no one can recall ever seeing these blue masses on our beaches. While some older residents tell us they've seen a few at sea or in neighboring towns, no one can recall a stranding of this magnitude. And yet, since spring 2024, the velelles seem to be enjoying themselves in the Bandol sunshine. After all, how can we blame them!
So why this budding love? No official response is given for now. But one thing is certain: with climate change impacting the weather, water temperature, and, of course, ocean currents, it's a safe bet that the latter is a more than likely cause of this new blue tide.
Just like posidonia, the velelles punctuate the seasons on the beaches of Bandol. While the first one forms cute little soft cushions that children love to run on, the second one has the advantage ofto arouse everyone's curiosity, leading to an interest in the marine fauna of the Mediterranean. A definite usefulness which encourages us to inform ourselves and to raise awareness of environmental protection and all the organisms present on our lands. Annual residents and spring vacationers, let's be patient ! The beaches will once again regain their splendor to welcome our lazy days. Until then, hikes, cultural activities, gastronomic pleasures, the treasures to discover are not lacking in Bandol.
Have a great holiday with us! 🌞
???? PS : if you take pictures of these velella, don't hesitate to share them with us in your Instagram story by tagging us @bandoltourismeofficiel !
