Heading for the Vendée Islands
Do not leave Vendée without having seen our two jewels in their maritime setting! Enjoy your stay in the Pays des Achards to take off, for a day or a weekend. These two islands have their own characteristics. The choice is yours... or not!
Noirmoutier Island
With 49 km² of area, Noirmoutier Island is the larger of the two and easily accessible by a free bridge. Salt marshes, dunes and holm oak forests give it its characteristic appearance.
Its small white houses with blue shutters are part of real postcard landscapes. In spring, mimosas embellish the gardens. They also gave the island its nickname: mimosa island ". These small Mediterranean trees thrive in a mild, humid climate in winter, moderately hot in summer.
Noirmoutier Island can be visited in one day. According to your desires, you can favor built heritage, cultural places and natural sites. Otherwise, simply treat yourself to a gourmet break at a oyster farmer or a stop on Ladies beach at Bois de la Chaise.
Passage du Gois is a 4,2 km submersible road connecting the mainland and the island and a true paradise for birds and shore fishing enthusiasts. Formerly the only crossing point to Noirmoutier, the Gois today fascinates with its strange beauty shaped by the ocean.
Good to know
Find out about low tide times before taking the Passage du Gois.
The crossing – by car, on foot or by bike – is generally possible 1h30 before low tide until 1h30 after.
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Passage du Gois ![]()
The Wood of the Chair
The island of Yeu
Covering an area of 23 km², this island is only accessible by boat. With a wilder character than its larger neighbour, it surprises with its coastal landscapes of multiple contrasts and its wildlife. Small villages and vestiges of the past seem to nestle in this small piece of land in the middle of the ocean.
The Island of Yeu particularly suitable for walks and bike rides.
You can go around the island (32 km) or opt for a shorter circuit, before landing in the port and watching the fishing boats.
Also admire the charm of the wild coast, classified Natural Park » with its steep cliffs, topped with old castle.
![Port Joinville Ile d'Yeu]()
Port-Joinville ![Ile d'Yeu Vieux Château]()
The Old Castle
Our favorite
Lay down on the fine sand of Anse des Soux in the south of the Ile d'Yeu. Access to this small bay may seem a little steep, but you will be rewarded with turquoise blue water, a serene atmosphere and the feeling of being alone in the world !
Good “ticketing” plan and practical information
• For your crossing to the Ile d'Yeu, benefit from personalized advice and preferential rates up to -30% thanks to our ticket service.
• Allow approximately 1 hour for the crossing from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie and 30 minutes from Fromentine.
You will inevitably succumb to the undeniable charm of these two Vendée islands!
