In winter Recharge your batteries whilst bundled up on a walk. Appreciate the peacefulness of deserted beaches and inhale the aromas of the blossoming mimosas.
After an autumn bathed in light comes a time of great calm on Noirmoutier Island. A special time to get back in touch with your emotions. To listen to the calls of the birds come to stay for the winter. To breathe in the scent of the ocean, now returned to its wilderness state. To gorge yourself on that light which filters, towards and against everything. To savour the hint of iodine in oysters from the open sea. To scratch at the foreshore with your hands. To set your emotions free during a short breather before the exuberance of Christmastime!
Noirmoutier Island decks itself out in the colours of winter, offering you a different season with different delights. The beach is all yours, with your caps pulled down over your ears, so treat yourself to an invigorating walk, recharge your batteries, take a break! Then give in to a snack of crêpes with salted butter caramel in front of a hot chimney fire. Christmas carols thrust the streets into the magic of the holidays, the shop windows are decorated, the scent of delicious mulled wine wafts towards you, and children’s voices fill the air... You will be delighted as you recall the joyous images of Christmas holidays!!! Scarves and gloves have replaced flip-flops and shorts, people sip on hot cocoa at sidewalk cafés, and you can enjoy not worrying about the time. The emphasis is on walking. You say hello to the people you pass. You may not know them, but you all share the pleasure of being here.
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BUY FRESH AND LOCAL PRODUCTS AT THE ISLAND MARKETS
Going to the local market is definitely a must to discover the local products of the island of Noirmoutier and treat yourself to delicious tastings! Each village has its own market day, find here the day of your next gourmet stop.
OYSTERS AND OTHER SHELLFISH OF NOIRMOUTIER ISLAND
A local product par excellence, the oyster has always shared a great culinary history with Noirmoutier. The island’s oysters are known for their delicate flesh, meaty but not too much. The quality of the environment combined with the meticulous work of the oyster farmers guarantees a terrific end result.
FISH OF NOIRMOUTIER ISLAND
A walk along L’Herbaudière’s fishing port or through the island’s markets is enough to awaken the sense of any love of fine cuisine. From the fish auction to your plate, the island’s fishermen and chefs do credit to the fish caught daily, skilfully sublimating the fresh products.
Our local products
A mild climate, nourishing sea and fertile land: Noirmoutier Island has what it takes to cultivate quality, flavourful products. You can find all the products of Noirmoutier directly at the producers’ sites, at market stalls and in the shops. All our local products from the land and the sea are certified with the “Flavours of Noirmoutier Island” (“Saveurs de l’île de Noirmoutier”) label.
WALKING AMONGST THE PINES, FAR FROM THE HUSTLE & BUSTLE
Almost as soon as you cross the bridge, Barbâtre Forest to the west will capture your gaze. Planted with large maritime pines, the largest forest on the island runs alongside the beach, combining views of the sea with the pleasant scent of undergrowth where pine needles crunch underfoot.
EXPERIENCE NEW HEIGHTS IN BOIS DES ELOUX
Another facet of the island is the Bois des Eloux wood, with its maritime pines and its sandy paths, perfect for hiking, picnicking... and jogging!
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.
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?
