The Bois de la Chaise in the north of the island of Noirmoutier

THE NATIONAL FOREST THAT TIME FORGOT

Located on the sandstone northeast of Noirmoutier-en-l’Île, sheltered from the westerly winds, this wood represents the gentleness of the ocean in its purest form. It stands out for the variety of its Mediterranean species: evergreen oaks, strawberry trees, maritime pines and mimosas bloom in a very carefully arranged disarray. The painter Auguste Renoir was won over by this inspired, inspiring place. Will you love it just as much?

A UNIQUE PLACE

Guarded by Eurasian scops owls and flying beetles, this forest of maritime pines, evergreen oaks and strawberry trees provides shelter to the luxurious houses that blend harmoniously with the rocky nature of the coast. A listed site since 1936, the famous Bois de la Chaise is a destination for holidays and rambles. It spans 110 hectares of land and lines the beaches over more than 2 km. It is bordered by a cliff carved into a series of rocky headlands and sandy coves.

The must-see spots in the Bois de la Chaise:

Plage des Dames, with its white beach huts and pier,
Pointe de Saint-Pierre,
The Anse Rouge lighthouse,
Les Souzeaux beach,
The family-friendly Sableaux beach.

A QUICK HISTORY LESSON

1407: the holm oak woodland is already known, but it had probably been there long before.
1524: the Bois de la Chaise is felled for the first time by the Spanish.
1674: it is felled a second time by the Dutch.
1793: the Vendée and Republican armies use the wood for firewood to help them endure the particularly harsh winter. The Jacobsen family, who owned most of the woodland, subsequently planted pine trees before building villas there.
100 villas: from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, the island's prominent families built around a hundred villas in the Bois de la Chaise. The island's tourist era began.
The beach cabins at Plage des Dames, Plage des Sableaux and Anse Rouge mark the beginnings of seaside tourism. Women would put on their swimsuits there, at a time when sea bathing was becoming fashionable and modesty was still very much the norm.

GUIDED TOUR

“Bois de la Chaise: Birth of a Seaside Resort”:

Local guides share 90 minutes of history and discovery with you.

Contacts:

Anne-Marie MARY 06 88 46 32 75

TESTIMONIAL

“It is an admirable spot, as beautiful as the South of France but with a sea whose beauty differs from that of the Mediterranean.” Auguste Renoir

The Bois de la Chaise was a popular place amongst poets and painters of merit. In 1892, Noirmoutier Island received a first-rate visitor: painter Auguste Renoir.

Events not to be missed

MIMOSAS IN BLOOM

In the winter, you won’t want to miss when the mimosas begin to bloom. The Bois de la Chaise is livened up by these bright yellow balls, offering you unique scenery filled with poetry...

Discover the island in winter

Les Régates du Bois de la Chaise

For three days in the summer, the Régates du Bois de la Chaise Regattas showcase Noirmoutier Island’s boating on the magical, preserved waters of Bourgneuf Bay.

Kayak Bois de la Chaise - Quentin Boulegon

HIKING SUGGESTION

From Plage des Dames to Cob Rock on a kayak

Highlights: Gorgeous villas, a whole series of beaches, and the Bois de la Chaise wood.

Approx. 1½ hours

On the Plage des Dames beach, Ghislain the instructor will run you through some exercises. Although you will be focused on each sensation, you will not miss any part of the spectacle of the pontoon and the bathing huts gently drifting away. Before you, the fragrant Bois de la Chaise seems impenetrable, while the lighthouse-like Plantier Tower, overlooking the Anse Rouge beach, shows off its best side. Alone on the water, protected from the dominant winds, you advance easily at a slow pace, perfect for quiet contemplation. You can take in the Plage des Souzeaux beach, lined with magnificent villas, in a single glance, all the way to Cob Rock. There, shellfish diggers take advantage of the low tide to collect oysters, cockles, shrimp, clams and winkles. Before you turn back, you can spot the Plage de la Clère beach and the village of Le Vieil in the next cove over.