What Is a Ganivelle?
The ganivelle has long been used in rural areas. Also called a “Girondine barrier”, it’s a fence composed of vertical chestnut wood slats (called échalas) obtained by splitting; they are pointed on one end, separated from one another by a chosen gap which determines the “permeability” of the barrier, and assembled by a double twisted galvanized wire.
Traditionally, these are made from split chestnut, which ensures better durability than sawn slats. Due to their design, they adapt well to slopes and terrain that may be quite uneven.
Why Chestnut?
Chestnut is renowned for its robustness and exceptional longevity, making it an ideal choice for outdoor installations.
Thanks to its high tannin content, it is naturally rot-resistant, resisting climate aggression, insects, and fungi without needing chemical treatment. Unlike pine or certain exotic species, chestnut retains its mechanical properties for many decades, making it a durable and ecological alternative. Our wood is harvested on average within 20 km of our production site.
Why Choose a Ganivelle?
For Protecting Coastal Dunes
Installing a ganivelle as a windbreak in dunes is enough to significantly reduce wind velocity through it, causing transported materials (sand, leaves, etc.) to drop. This gives it remarkable effectiveness in combating aeolian deflation, and for ecological restoration or physical protection of coastal dunes.
For Defining Outdoor Spaces
Ganivelles can be used to form fences, manage the movement of domestic animals, or guide humans (around ponds, ditches, or fragile natural zones).
They can also serve as snow barriers in snowy regions.
For Creating Privacy
If you are looking for an elegant solution to preserve privacy without detracting from your garden’s aesthetic, the ganivelle is an excellent choice.
Its natural design allows it to act as a discreet screen that blocks views while still letting in light and air.
For Enhancing Landscape Projects
Ganivelles harmonize perfectly with many garden styles and landscape designs. Whether you want a rustic décor with shrubs and wildflowers or a more modern feel by pairing with stone or steel, chestnut ganivelles adapt to all inspirations.
They can also support certain plantings—flowering hedges or climbers—by serving as natural trellises.
Which Ganivelle Should You Choose?
You have a choice between split échalas and flat sawn slats. Each has its own advantages:
Split Échalas
- Aesthetic and natural integration
- Durability
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Simplified installation
Flat Sawn Slats
- Uniformity and clean appearance
- Ease of customization
- Practical installation
- Lower risk of splinters
The slats (or débits) are made to order, with the possibility of custom height and spacing between slats.
| Split échalas | Flat sawn slats | |
| Height (m) | 0,5 to 2,00 m | 0,5 to 2,00 m |
| Spacing (cm) | 2 to 10 cm | 2 to 10 cm |
Installing Your Ganivelle
Once you’ve chosen your ganivelle, “all that remains is to install it”!
We provide a practical installation guide to make the process as smooth as possible.
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