The history of Gujan-Mestras and its emblem: the ladybug

The exact origins of the quarrels between Gujan and Mestras are not always clear, but they seem to go back to historical and geographicaldifferences between the two districts. Gujan, located closer to the Bay of Arcachon, was traditionally more oriented towards fishing and oyster farming, while Mestras, slightly further inland, had a more diversified economy including agriculture and commerce.

Over the centuries, these economic and geographical differences led to rivalry and competition between the two districts. The inhabitants of Gujan and Mestras often fought over resources, land and economic opportunities. These rivalries could sometimes degenerate into more serious conflicts, although most of the time they took the form of friendly competition and teasing.

In the 19th century, Gujan-Mestras boasted almost 300 hectares of wine-growing land. The wine produced was not a grand cru, but fishermen liked it enough to drink it.

However, at the beginning of the 20th century, a secret evil struck the Gujan vines.

The sailors decided to call in the priest. After careful consideration, he solemnly announced: “ The cause of the evil your vines are dying of is Barbot!

In the local dialect, the term “ barbot ” refers to insects such as beetles, chafer beetles, eumolpes and, of course, ladybugs. Willing to do anything to save their vines, the people of Gujan asked the holy man to perform masses and processions in the vineyards. The affair caused quite a stir in the region, earning the inhabitants of Gujan-Mestras the nickname of “ barbots ” from the Testerins, inhabitants of neighboring La Teste.

And so the Barbot, transformed into a cute little ladybug, became the town’s emblem.
In 1923, Gujan-Mestrasrugby players proudly sported the beetle on their shirts in a match against La Teste. A symbol was born.

The Beetle is everywhere in Gujan-Mestras… So keep your eyes peeled for good luck!