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Balade vélo marais salant ©Quentin Boulegon

A must-see weekend Must-sees for everything you need to know about the island of Noirmoutier

As we all know, a weekend goes by quickly and we often want to make the most of it, especially when it's our first time in the destination we've chosen. So to make the most of your time on the island of Noirmoutier, plan your stay around the must-sees you don't want to miss! 

Cross Gois passage

Check the tide times before crossing the Gois passage. In case of average coefficient, beyond 70, you can cross 1 hour and half before and 1 hour and half after low tide.  The Gois passage is a mythical road between Noirmoutier Island and the continent, but also a talented transformist capable of appearing under two very different lights. Whether emerging or hidden, the Gois always has a theatrical flair... a continuous show that delights its spectators.

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Visite guidée du Passage du Gois ©Trendz

The Salt marshes

Salterns are typical of the scenery on Noirmoutier Island, covering a third of the island. They were shaped by man over the course of centuries. The hundred or so salt makers on the island perpetuate their high-quality ancestral know-how. The 100% natural salt is harvested in accordance with traditions. Dive into the heart of this magical world.

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Marais Salant - L'Epine ©Office de Tourisme Ile de Noirmoutier-Vendée Expansion-Simon Bourcier

WALK UNDER THE EVERGREEN OAKS OF BOIS DE LA CHAISE

 

Installed on the sandstone north-east of Noirmoutier-en-l'Ile, sheltered from the westerly winds, this wood is pure ocean sweetness. It is distinguished by the variety of its Mediterranean essences: oaks, strawberry trees, maritime pines and mimosas flourish there in a very studied clutter. The painter Auguste Renoir was conquered by this inspired and inspiring place. Will you be as much as he?

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Plage des Dames Noirmoutier ©Max Coquard - BestJobers

MORIN PORT

On the west coast of the island, a natural harbour surrounded by rocks where a fishing fleet would come to anchor has now been transformed into a modern marina.

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Port de Morin - L'Épine ©Quentin Boulegon

DISCOVER THE MILLS OF LA GUÉRINIÈRE

As you come to Noirmoutier Island, you will be surprised by the impressive number of windmills here. The island’s mills are ballet masters, elegant and romantic. Flocks of seagulls often come to salute their strange cousins with a tip of the wing. The mills too would love to still be playing with the wind, but they have lost their “wings”. But they still provide a faithful reminder of their millers and that bygone era.

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Moulin Guérinière ©Trendz

Savor oysters at Bonhomme Port

Dawn barely breaks before the slipway at Bonhomme Port begins to hum with the coming and going of tractors hauling flat-bottomed boats to the oyster farms just uncovered by the tide. Despite its unbeatable view of the town of Noirmoutier-en-l’Île, this miniature port on Bourgneuf Bay, would almost go unnoticed if it weren’t the island’s main oyster port.

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Port du Bonhomme la Guérinière ©Quentin Boulegon

VISIT LE VIEIL FISHING VILLAGE

Past the center of Noirmoutier-en-l’Île, far from the hustle and bustle, you will come across a series of hamlets: La Claire, Le Vieil, La Madeleine and then, after Notre-Dame de la Blanche Abbey, La Linière. Everywhere are small white houses with blue shutters facing the south to expose their gardens to the sun and fill the air with the scents of their seasonal flowers. Take advantage of the calm village of Le Vieil to enjoy a peaceful walk through its narrow streets lined with charming fishermen’s houses.

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Village Le Vieil -Best Jobers Max Coquard

GO SEE THE FISHING BOATS AT L’HERBAUDIÈRE PORT

Engine noises, whistling rigging and slapping halyards: welcome to the port of L'Herbaudière! It was the first marina built in the Vendée, but is also a lively fishing port and a pleasant place for a stroll with its souvenir shops, bars and restaurants.

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Port de l'Herbaudière ©Trendz

STROLL THROUGH THE HISTORIC HEART OF NOIRMOUTIER

Want to find out more about the island's heritage? Head for the town centre of Noirmoutier-en-l'île to discover all that the destination has to offer. Shopping, culture, the seaside landscape, typical neighbourhoods and conviviality will reveal every detail of the island to you. And for a complete overview, follow the guide and discover this small town with character, which will be awarded the label in 2022 (Petites Cités de Caractère de France)!

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Château médiéval Noirmoutier en l'île ©Trendz

An overview of your must-see weekend

THE PROGRAMME FOR YOUR MUST-SEE WEEKEND

day 1

Arrived via the Passage du Gois (Gois passage) remember to check the tide times.

 

Discover the historic centre of Noirmoutier-en-l'île. 

 

more informations 

 

Lunch in Noirmoutier en l’île.

 

see all restaurants 

 

Stroll in the Bois de la Chaise.

 

more informations


Discover the Village of Le Vieil.

 

more informations


Stroll around the Herbaudière marina and fishing port.

 

more informations

day 2

Watching the mills at La Guérinière.

 

more informations

 

Tasting oysters at the port du Bonhomme oyster port.

 

more informations 

 

Picnic in the Bois des Éloux wood.

 

more informations about picnic areas on noirmoutier island  

 

A stroll to the port de Morin marina.

 

more informations 

 

Visit a salt marsh.

 

all visits of the salt marshes 

 

Return via the bridge of Noirmoutier.

Availability and reservations Accommodations on Noirmoutier Island

Loin des yeux
près du cœur

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