- In 1794, the church was used as a prison for the 1,500 inhabitants of the Vendée who were massacred during the War in the Vendée.
- The old Hôtel Lebreton de Grapillières, a gorgeous 18th century private manor, became a tourist hotel called Hôtel du Général d’Elbée.
- The town hall was rebuilt in 1884 in an exact copy of the merchant houses of the 18th century, losing only its belfry in the process.
The historic heart of Noirmoutier-en-l’île
heritage, culture, and history
A HERITAGE FULL OF TREASURES
6 NOT-TO-BE-MISSED PLACES TO VISIT IN THE HISTORIC CENTRE OF NOIRMOUTIER-EN-L'ÎLE!
DISCOVER THE HISTORIC CENTRE OF NOIRMOUTIER-EN-L'ÎLE, A TOWN THAT BE AWARDED THE ‘PETITE CITÉ DE CARACTÈRE’ LABEL (Old and charming town) IN 2022!
1- THE BANZEAU DISTRICT:
This Banzeau district of Noirmoutier-en-l'île is one of the oldest on the island. Occupied in the 11th century by people working for the abbey, it then became home to sailors in the 17th century. Stroll through the narrow streets lined with hollyhocks and pretty white houses with colourful shutters.
2- THE PORT OF NOIRMOUTIER-EN-L'ÎLE :
If you follow the quays of this heritage port, you'll come to the entrance to the Jacobsen Jetty. Stroll along this estuary and you'll come across the Müllembourg nature reserve on your left, with its wild salt marshes, and a small boat cemetery on your right.
The Port of Noirmoutier-en-l'île - Trendz
3- L'Hôtel Jacobsen museum :
Located next to the Noirmoutier-en-l'île Tourist Office, this beautiful residence with its remarkable architecture was built in 1760 by the Jacobsen family. Following a series of restoration works, this private manor house became the "Centre des Patrimoines Maritime" (Maritime Heritage Centre) in 2019 and now houses a museum showcasing the rich maritime heritage of the island of Noirmoutier.
VISIT THE HÔTEL JACOBSEN MUSEUM
4- THE "château-musée" (MEDIEVAL CASTLE-MUSEUM) OF NOIRMOUTIER-EN-L'ÎLE :
Listed as a historic monument since 1994, the keep of the medieval castle is now houses a museum that brings together various collections of the island's heritage since prehistoric times. From the top of the castle ramparts, enjoy the panoramic view over the town and the ocean. Throughout the year, the courtyard of the castle hosts a number of special events: in winter you can skate between the ramparts, and in summer there are temporary events for young and old alike.
VISIT THE CHÂTEAU-MUSEUM OF NOIRMOUTIER-EN-L'ÎLE
5- SAINT-PHILBERT CHURCH:Located next to the medieval castle of Noirmoutier-en-l'île, the crypt of this church houses the tomb of the monk Saint-Philbert, who laid the foundations of the island's economy.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE CHURCH
AFTER YOUR VISIT, TAKE A STROLL...
6 - In the town centre: Find crafts, gourmet products and souvenirs, and do your shopping in the shopping streets and charming alleyways of Noirmoutier-en-l'île town centre. It's also the perfect place to enjoy an ice cream, take a stroll, have a drink on the terrace or share a moment of conviviality in one of Noirmoutier-en-l'île's many restaurants.
RESTAURANTS, bars and coffee IN NOIRMOUTIER
The medieval castle-museum of Noirmoutier-en-l'île - Trendz
A QUICK HISTORY LESSON
GUIDED TOUR
“Noirmoutier Town Center: History & Heritage”: Local guides share 90 minutes of history and discovery with you.
Contacts :
Fancy a cultural outing? Head to Les Salorges!
Located right in the centre of Noirmoutier-en-l'île, in a former salt storehouse, the Les Salorges cultural centre offers a rich and varied programme of exhibitions, shows and cultural events throughout the year. The centre caters for the artistic needs of the town and the whole of the island of Noirmoutier. It hosts concerts, plays, dance shows and more. The auditorium can hold up to 395 spectators and is accessible to people with reduced mobility. The Les Salorges cultural centre also has an exhibition hall. Every summer, several artists exhibit their work in this unusual room, which is equipped with old-fashioned cymaises.
Spectacle Bob et moi - Loewen photographie
Jetée Jacobsen - Trendz
BY BICYCLE: A RIDE ON THE ROMANTIC JETTY
Highlights: Peace and quiet, the space to ride side by side, the romanticism of sunrise and sunset, and the aromas of nature.
The route begins in front of the castle. From there, take Jacobsen Jetty along the port until you reach Fort Larron. You will then skirt the Plage des Sableaux beach before losing yourself in the back streets of the Banzeau District, bringing you back to the foot of the château. Jacobsen Jetty is the high point of the tour: the superb promontory opens up onto the salterns and Müllembourg Nature Reserve on one side and Patrimoine Port on the other. Early birds can watch the sun rise over Bourgneuf Bay at the end of the jetty. In the evening, lovers will surrender to the fiery sunset as they face the port.
NOIRMOUTIER TOWN CENTER IN PICTURES
