[1][2] Some of the sediment accumulated in the estuary, adjacent to the Cordouan platform, the remains of an earlier limestone island since lost to erosion.

[1] The sediment augmented an existing sand bank approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) east of the lighthouse until it became a permanent fixture, visible at high tide.

Quantities of sea rocket on the island provide sustenance for flies, who are preyed upon by invertebrates who also feed on debris left by the gulls.

[1][2] Several music parties, attended by hundreds of people, have disturbed nesting birds and the island has been used as a landing site by the local parachute club.

[4] The island survived Cyclone Xynthia in February 2010 but lost 3.5 acres (1.4 ha) of its surface area and was moved 50 metres (160 ft) east.