Whether or not you are coming to the long and narrow island of Noirmoutier for the first time, start your stay with a unique experience by taking the
Passage du Gois.
This 4.2 km long submersible road connects the island to the Vendée mainland and its Pays de la Loire region.
Invisible most of the time, this fragile hyphen is also a prodigious living space.
To discover
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At the rhythm of the tides, it is either under the ocean or emerging from the waters.
And it attracts the birds who come to seek rest and food as much as the fishermen on foot (for clams, oysters and cockles) or the curious who come to contemplate this theatrical natural setting.
Crossing this majestic gateway, whatever the season, remains an unforgettable moment!
Read alsoThe five places you absolutely need to know in Noirmoutier
Yet the Gois has not always existed.
It was formed following the crossing of two currents and the deposit of large quantities of sand and mud during the slack (this moment between two tides when the current is zero).
The first mention of a passage linking the island to the mainland dates from 1701. While the opening of a regular line provided by a horse-drawn carriage dates back to 1840. And it took until 1939 for this mythical road is finally paved.
Since 2017, the Passage du Gois has been classified as a site of national and heritage interest.
Access to Noirmoutier: the Passage du Gois or the bridge
Past the legendary Gois, the forest of Barbâtre, made up of tall maritime pines and a string of dunes.
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Before crossing it into the
bay of Bourgneuf
, it is recommended to consult the tide times.
In the event of an average coefficient, you pass there on foot, by car or by bike 1h30 before and 1h30 after the time of low tide.
For the distracted or the more adventurous who are surprised by the rising tide, nine tower beacons can fortunately serve as a refuge!
Past Le Gois or the bridge to the island of Noirmoutier (accessible free of charge 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from La Fromentine, on the mainland, and which also has a cycle path), the
forest of Barbâtre
, made up of tall pines coasts and a string of dunes along fine sandy beaches awaits you.
Pedestrian paths, cycle paths, sand yachting and sliding sports, or bird watching in the
Polder de Sébastopol nature reserve
…
Everything here invites you to slow down, combining a view of the sea and the pleasant scents of the undergrowth where the pine needles creak under your feet.
And there is no risk of colliding with the crowd: the largest forest on the island of Noirmoutier covers 145 hectares, it is .
You can walk there for hours, away from all noise, in the shade of tall trees, enjoying the sounds of nature.
You don't see many people there and for a walk with children, it's the ideal place for large games of hide-and-seek or adventure games.
What to do in Noirmoutier with children
Noirmoutier is an ideal place to spend family holidays: the climate is very mild and the atmosphere very family friendly.
P. Beltrami
A veritable paradise for blond heads, the island is full of places to practice shore fishing, which then looks like a treasure hunt.
We collect little, but it's always fun to scrape the sand in search of clams or razor clams that come up when we put salt on their hole.
If one is observant, in the water ponds, one always discovers shrimps, small crabs and tiny fish (baby bars or baby mullets).
And there is no shortage of proposals for entertaining or encouraging encounters with other children.
The Trait d'Union bookshop, (1 bis, rue du Grand-Four in Noirmoutier-en-l'Île; tel.: 02 51 35 59 22; open all week during school holidays) which regularly organizes "Heures du conte” (stories told) also has a room entirely dedicated to children’s literature.
And for the little ones, there is a Les Poissons Clowns nursery, a Ty Splash swimming school and three beach clubs: Club Valdingo, (
Mardi-Gras beach in Le
Vieil), Club de plage des Mousses (
Sableaux beach
) and Les Petits Futés (
Cantine beach
in La Guérinière).
Our recommendation:
do you like oysters?
Make a stop at the Bonhomme oyster farming site in La
Guérinière
(on the Bourgneuf bay side).
You will find there in particular oyster huts (sale, tasting...).
Ideal to do with family or friends.
Tip: go by bike.
Noirmoutier, cycling destination
Between sea and land, the Jacobsen pier.
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But on the island, there is not only the coast to discover.
This small piece of land has indeed a wide variety of landscapes.
So why not happily lose yourself in the checkerboard of the salt marshes?
On site, the salt workers will not fail to give you explanations on the harvests of Fleur de sel or coarse salt.
You can also undulate on the paths of the charming
Eloux wood
, or embark on a digital treasure hunt in a nature reserve (Sevastopol polder).
During pleasant strolls, Noirmoutier reveals itself in different ways and everyone agrees that it is also a nirvana for cyclists!
With
84 km of dedicated cycle paths
, you can crisscross it serenely from north to south and from east to west, crossing the most beautiful places:
salt marshes
,
the pearl pond
, the
Jacobsen pier
, the
wood of the Chair
, the
Plage des Dames
and its white cabins evoking the nostalgia of a happy resort of yesteryear.
For those who are not equipped, many bike rental companies (with or without electric assistance) dot the island.
Our recommendation:
among the bike rental companies, Vél'Hop offers a wide range of adult and children's bikes, electrically assisted, rosalie, tandem... And delivers them to your home for free (02.51.39.01.34).
Cruise along the coast of the island aboard a flat-bottomed boat
Sailing school on the island of Noirmoutier.
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Finally, to take full advantage of the pleasures offered by the sea, with his small sailboat, Joël Léauté (tel.: 06.33.07.23.82; 8, Le Clos des Chevrettes, Le Vieil) takes you sailing near the coast and beaching you on the foreshore.
On his flat-bottomed boat, once used for coastal fishing, he can carry up to five people.
On board everyone can take part in the manoeuvres, under the watchful eye of the seasoned skipper.
Seen from the sea, the coast reveals some absolutely invisible aspects of the beach.
His boat goes out regularly in the bay of Bourgneuf, between
L'Herbaudière
,
Vendette
and the
port of Noirmoutier
.
For those who are tempted by other nautical disciplines, such as dinghy, catamaran, paddle or sea kayaking, through
flyboarding
, kitesurfing or jet skiing, but also initiations to sailing or motor, sand yachting, or scuba diving, everything is easily accessible.
Finally, put on your summer diary: the island's emblematic maritime festivals and regattas.
Like
La Régate du Bois de la Chaise
, which brings together a fleet of traditional sailboats, which run aground on the Plage des Dames then go back to the port in a festive atmosphere!
Or the
Noirmoutier Classic
, with its beautiful vintage yachts: Sharks, Dragons, metrics… Joined by legendary yachts, such as Éric Tabarly's Pen Duick.
Practical notebook in Noirmoutier
VISITOR CENTER.
Such.
: 02 51 39 80 71 and ile-noirmoutier.com.
COME
Aim for Nantes station then take the coach there for Noirmoutier, count 1h40 (oui-sncf.com).
By car: by the bridge (free) or by the Gois, a spectacular road (4.2 km) which disappears every day under the sea (watch out for the tides).
ACCOMMODATIONS
Hotel General d'Elbee
A historic 18th century residence, Le Général d'Elbée is located in an exceptional setting on the bustling port of Noirmoutier en l'île.
Island of Noirmoutier / Photo press
An 18th century mansion, completely renovated, which offers 25 modern and elegant rooms.
The rooms with a very tasteful marine decor, open onto an enclosed garden with a beautiful swimming pool are the most pleasant.
A soothing setting, like that offered by the modernly decorated relaxation room which leads to a spa, a sauna and a hammam.
From €110 to €220.
General d'Elbée, 2 place d'Armes, 85330 Noirmoutier-en-l'Ile.
Such.
: 02 51 39 1029.
Villa Arthus-Bertrand
In the heart of Bois de la Chaise, 18 spacious and bright rooms in a charming Victorian-style residence.
A stone's throw from the beaches of Les Sableaux and Les Dames, guests will appreciate the wooded park, the library and the restaurant opening onto a large terrace, the swimming pool, the Japanese pavilion and the rest areas under the palm trees and century-old oaks.
From €150 to €400.
The Villa Arthus Bertrand, 9 alley of Chaillot 85330 Noirmoutier-en-l'île.
Such.
: 02 51 68 41 81.
CAFÉ TERRACES
Café Noir
, 4 Quai Cassard, 85330 Noirmoutier-en-l'Ile.
Such.
: 02 51 39 00 75.
11, 11 Quai Cassard, 85330 Noirmoutier-en-l'Île.
Such.
: 02 28 10 11 11.
Le Saint Louis
, 14 place Saint-Louis, 85330 Noirmoutier-en-l'Ile.
Such.
: 02 28 10 03 79.
Le Fil Rouge, 58 A Av. Joseph Pineau, 85330 Noirmoutier-en-l'Ile.
Such.
: 07 66 16 25 45.
GOOD DINING
La Table d'Elise
, an organic gourmet neo-bistro and second address of starred chef Alexandre Couillon.
5 rue Marie Lemonnier, 85330 Noirmoutier-en-l'Île.
Such.
: 02 28 10 68 35.
Read alsoThe Noirmoutier oyster by Alexandre Couillon
Le Petit Bouchot, seafood cuisine, pretty patio.
3 rue Saint-Louis, 85330 Noirmoutier-en-l'Ile.
Such.
: 02 51 39 32 56.
La Maison des Toqués, a confidential address, few cutlery, a real sensory discovery.
32 rue du Port, 85330 Noirmoutier-en-l'Île.
Such.
: 02 28 10 15 12.
The plate in the garden, pretty patio, tasty menu, small grocery store.
9 rue du Robinet, 85330 Noirmoutier-en-l'île.
Such.
: 02 51 54 93 95.
Le P'tit Noirmout, modern regional cuisine showcasing sparkling fresh local fish and seafood.
10 rue du Marché 85330 Noirmoutier-en-l'île.
Such.
: 02 28 10 79 52.
Le Pilotis, oyster bar, La Nouvelle Brille 85680 La Guérinière.
Such.
: 02 51 60 62 23.
FOR GOURMETS
Artisan biscuit factory from Noirmoutier, Les Petits Cagniotes, 2 rue Marouettes, 85330 Noirmoutier.
Such.
: 06 18 29 36 12.
Le Petit Couillon, delicatessen, artisanal products, 1 rue Marie Lemonnier, 85330 Noirmoutier-en-l'île.
Such.
: 02 28 18 11 22.
2022 summer maritime festivals
July 14:
Am'Her festival at the Morin port in L'Épine
July 24:
Bonhomme port festival in La Guérinière
August 14:
Morin port festival in L'Épine
July 16:
"Voiles de l'Epine regatta" 'Epine' at the port of Le Morin
15 August:
Seaside festival at the port of L'Herbaudière
6 August to 8 August:
'La Noirmoutier Classic'
10 August:
'Les Voiles Légères' at Le Vieil
12 to 14 August:
'Les Régates du Chair Wood »
FISHING ON SHORE, THE GOOD CORNERS
La Guérinière in Noirmoutier.
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The Ladies' beach;
Anse Saint-Pierre;
The old ;
The Thorn (Pointe du Devin);
La Guérinière (Pointe de la Loire);
Passage of the Gois.
OUTING AT SEA
Noirmoutier Coastline
: Joël Léauté (06.33.07.23.82).
Multisailing
: paddle rental, sea kayak, catamaran, dinghy (06 22 52 34 49).
O'Abandonado
on an old rig from 1916, outings, sea fishing, day cruises, sea classes. Tourist Office, on the boat or at Le Shopping du Port, at Herbaudière.
[Originally published in July 2020, this article has been updated.]
