top of page
French west cost island, connected to mainland by bridge and tidal causeway

Noirmoutier is situated just off the West Coast of France in the Vendee region - about half way down the country. Its neighbouring islands include Iles de Re, Yeu, and Oleron. Until 1970 the island was only accessible via the 3km sea causeway, which is still usable at low tide. A large bridge was then built to the southern end of the island. 

​

Accessible by ferry, car and plane

  • ​1 hour from Nantes Atlantique airport

  • 3 hours drive from St. Malo

  • 5 hours drive from Cherbourg

  • 5 hours drive from Paris, or 3hrs by train + 1hr car/bus

  • Train station in Nantes or Challans, then taxi or bus (1hr)

​

The main centres are Noirmoutier town and the port of L'Herbaudiere

The two main centres on the island are the town of Noirmoutier in the middle of the island, which is 5 minutes walk from our property, and the fishing harbour of L'Herbaudiere to the north of the Island which is 15 minutes drive, 30 minutes cycle.

​

Noirmoutier town has evolved around a medieval castle and bordered by a linear port. The town is a bustling centre of cafes, shops, restaurant, bars, delacatessian, and galleries. A market occupies the main square three times a week and is a mecca for residents, offering everything from fresh seafood, charcuterie, and cheeses to souvenirs, art and household items.

 

L'Herbaudiere is a smaller centre with a fishing and pleasure boat harbour and overlooking cafes, restaurant, nautical hardware and interiors shops.  

​

A different beach every day

Noirmoutier can offer a different beach every day. From rugged Atlantic Luzeronde, to a more sheltered Plages Des Dames. Also, the long pine bound stretches of L'Epine and the hidden gems of L'Anse Rouge and the charming La Madeline. The choice is yours depending on weather, preference, and plans for the day. Some of the beaches have cafe or restaurants, others offer water sports, while others are pretty much deserted at any tine of the year. 

​

A wide variety of restaurants from Michelin stars to courtyard dining

From Michelin starred restaurants to beach side seafood, to tranquil courtyard fine dining, or casual café culture. Noirmoutier offers a good variety. The specialty of the island is its fresh seafood. But there is a wonderful lively market three times a week, several delicatessen offering meats, cheeses, vegetables and home made prepared dishes, and a great selection of wines and other drinks.

​

Just a very few of our island favourite restaurants include:

  • Restaurant Marine, in L'Herbaudiere port, 2* Michelin

  • Plage du Jules, beach side, family friendly

  • No. 11, modern port side oysters and charcuterie

  • Bar Bikini, post beach cocktails on the way home

​

Nightlife

With the late summer sun setting into the Atlantic off the west coast of the island, nightlife could mean a ride to the beach with a bottle of rose and a rug. In town, the centre is the institution Cafe Noir - a chic hang-out with a regular Jazz band. If you're looking for dancing, the Club Tropicana offers French grooves into the early hours.

​

Many sports and activity options for every taste

Our days on Noirmoutier usually fall into the rhythm of morning market shopping, long lunches and then cycling through salt marshes to one of the beaches until the sunny evenings. However, if you are feeling more adventurous or need to shake off some of that food and wine then there are many activities:

  • Running, coastal and inland tracks and trails

  • Pier jumping with the locals - up to 4m at low tide, only for the brave!

  • Motor boat rental

  • Horse riding, manege, walks and beach rides

  • Sailing, windsurfing, paddle board, kayak, catamaran, sailing etc rental or schools

  • Market 3 days per week in summer

  • Picnics / BBQs

  • Wooded walks

  • Cycling

  • Tennis

  • Swimming at the pool and beach

  • Rock-pooling 

  • Coastal or off-shore fishing

  • Lots of kids activities ... see below

​

Culture

Noirmoutier offers more than its fair share of galleries, music, churches, and history. During the summer months there is a continuous program of events from concerts in the castle, to the internationally renowned Regatta of Ancient Boats, and art exhibitions. There are also a number of permanent galleries in the town. The castle and adjacent church have an important place in Vendee's revolutionary history. On the west coast, World War II gun emplacements are still visible and one houses a museum.

​

Children

Nick, one of the owners, spent his childhood summers every year on the island and with Kirsty now have three children themselves who regularly visit. There is no shortage of activities. Most of the sports and activity options above are accessible for children, in addition a few favoured options include:

  • Sailing / lessons

  • Aquarium

  • Water park and pool

  • Carrousel

  • Butterfly house

  • Little train tour

  • Horse riding

  • Mickey beach club

  • Mini golf

  • Quad bikes

  • Laser quest

  • Fun park with bouncy castles

  • Playground and skate park

  • Castle

  • Horse drawn cart tours

  • Le Gois sea-road / causeway & cockle hunting

​

You could even explore off-island

We are confident you will have more than enough to do on the island, but if you do feel more adventurous there are many good day trips.

  • Nantes: Modern city with charming and arty old centre

  • Marais Poietevin: unique wetland habitat 

  • Puy Du Fou: outstanding theme park with a historical theme and renowned "son et lumier" spectacular

  • Planet Sauvage wildlife park

​

Getting off the island can be part of the aventure with the unique 3km Le Gois tidal causeway accessible only ±2hrs from low tide. Further afield, more than a day trip but could easily be incorporated into a tour, head down to Bordeaux, up the Loire valley to see the chateaux and wines, explore Brittany's rugged coastline, or even Paris.

bottom of page