In the summer

You've decided to spend your weekend on the island of Noirmoutier! With its typical landscapes, fine sandy beaches and must-see sites, the island is a haven of peace and tranquillity. And to make the most of your stay in the west of the Vendée, take advantage of our recommendations, prepared to satisfy every one of your desires.

Fancy treating yourself during your weekend in Noirmoutier? The culinary specialities of the island of Noirmoutier are the perfect way to discover the island's heritage while indulging yourself. Here, your taste buds will be tickled by the exquisite flavours that are so special to the island of Noirmoutier. As well as the delicious dishes, you'll discover the riches of a unique terroir, where know-how and tradition are perpetuated to the delight of fine gourmets.

Like many people, you love wide open spaces, greenery, sandy beaches and landscapes as far as the eye can see? Can't get enough of watching the birds fly overhead, hearing the waves lapping on the beach or the seagulls flying by? The island of Noirmoutier is the ideal playground for your nature weekend. Fill up on positive energy and recharge your batteries in these typical Noirmoutier areas, where flora and fauna come together in perfect harmony to immerse you in an atmosphere of relaxation and serenity. You'll be amazed by every new discovery!

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!

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.

Salt marshes occupy a large space, right in the middle of Noirmoutier Island. The salt makers love to share these mazes of salt canals and clay pools full of astonishing colours. The salt makers offer tours of their own salt marshes from June to September. You can even leave with your own white gold...

From Barbâtre to Noirmoutier, many picnic tables are scattered through the woods and the pine forests along the coast of the island. These outdoor facilities surrounded by nature are also great for snacks, party games with family or friends, napping or pétanque (bowls). Little ones can also enjoy the beach, under your watchful eyes.

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.

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.

On Noirmoutier Island, potatoes thrive in the particularly mild climate and the salty air. They grow in sandy earth, enriched by seaweed, which is where they get their unique flavour.

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.

On Noirmoutier Island, salt harvesting is an ancestral technique that has been passed down from generation to generation. To produce salt, it takes not only the salt maker’s talent, but also sun and wind. You can buy packets of salt directly from the salt makers at the salterns in the summer or from the salt cooperative all year round.

The beaches of Noirmoutier Island are ideal for shore fishing. These are precious moments to enjoy with family, friends, or solo to learn more about marine wildlife and nature preservation.

 Events for everyone, all year round!

Whether you’re having lunch with friends or family, or a romantic dinner for two, the restaurants on Noirmoutier Island and the caterers are sure to delight your taste buds. Fine dining, traditional cuisine, family-style meals, pizzerias, crêperies, caterers and more: there’s something for every taste. Find all the addresses for the island’s restaurants so you can enjoy the experience of sampling the culinary specialities of Noirmoutier.