In the summer
Enjoy the hot days of summer as you relax on the beach. A multitude of activities and events await you.
Sunlight bursts forth, and sandals and t-shirts are back for good. It’s a time for swimming and ice cream, for picnics in the woods and extended cocktail hours outdoors. People meet, are reunited, and share the island, with everyone wanting to make sure they get their favourite spot. From Barbâtre to L’Épine by way of La Guérinière and Noirmoutier-en-l’Île, people scatter about on the beaches and at the ports, in small streets and along cycling trails. It’s the summer holidays and the programme of activities is jam-packed: a late breakfast with the family, a profusion of colours at the market, a long “lemonade break” at a sidewalk café, nibbles on the go, a nap and then the beach to tan or swim, a slow bicycle ride, exploring different spots on the island, or taking an educational tour, going sailing, playing tennis or pétanque, and the list goes on. In the evening, you’ll go to a nice little restaurant, followed by your choice of a street performance, a concert or fireworks, or else a barbecue with friends before hitting the dance floor. There’s nothing in particular that you have to do... except make a choice!
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A weekend on the island of Noirmoutier
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.
A gourmet weekend
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.
A weekend in nature
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!
A must-see weekend
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!
EXPLORE HIKING PATHS
Discover our 5 hiking paths and explore the natural sites and landscapes of the island: salt marshes, dunes, forests, polders and more!
CYCLING AROUND THE ISLAND OF NOIRMOUTIER
Cycling around the island of Noirmoutier is the best way to discover unique secret spots while having fun. Follow our three cycling itineraries or find your own path, you will have a pleasant moment either way! Find all the information you need on cycle paths and bike rental on the island of Noirmoutier.
GO SEE THE FISHING BOATS AT L’HERBAUDIÈRE PORT
Engine noises, whistling rigging and slapping halyards: welcome to the port of L'Herbaudière! It was the first marina built in the Vendée, but is also a lively fishing port and a pleasant place for a stroll with its souvenir shops, bars and restaurants.
Savor oysters at Bonhomme Port
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.
STROLL THROUGH THE HISTORIC HEART OF NOIRMOUTIER
Want to find out more about the island's heritage? Head for the town centre of Noirmoutier-en-l'île to discover all that the destination has to offer. Shopping, culture, the seaside landscape, typical neighbourhoods and conviviality will reveal every detail of the island to you. And for a complete overview, follow the guide and discover this small town with character, which will be awarded the label in 2022 (Petites Cités de Caractère de France)!
VISIT LE VIEIL FISHING VILLAGE
Past the center of Noirmoutier-en-l’Île, far from the hustle and bustle, you will come across a series of hamlets: La Claire, Le Vieil, La Madeleine and then, after Notre-Dame de la Blanche Abbey, La Linière. Everywhere are small white houses with blue shutters facing the south to expose their gardens to the sun and fill the air with the scents of their seasonal flowers. Take advantage of the calm village of Le Vieil to enjoy a peaceful walk through its narrow streets lined with charming fishermen’s houses.
