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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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.
Have a relaxing break
Spas, beauty parlours, wellness therapists, somatologists, meditation workshops and more: put the expertise of the island’s professionals to use to help you decompress.
Visit the salt marshes
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...
Sporting activities
Tennis courts, equestrian centres, aquarobics and swimming classes, archery, pétanque (bowls), rollerblading, gyms, bicycle hires and more.
Hire a boat, sailing boat, kayak or paddleboard
Wander the ocean with complete freedom on a sailing boat, motorboat, kayak, paddleboard, etc.
Water-based activities in Noirmoutier Island
Whether you are a beginner or a sailing enthusiast, interested in excursions at sea or thrills, there is something for everyone on Noirmoutier Island: sailing, centreboarders, kitesurfing, land yachting, kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skis, scuba diving, open sea excursions and fishing, water skiing, boat hires and sales, and many more activities on the water that are suitable for the whole family.
DISCOVER THE MILLS OF LA GUÉRINIÈRE
As you come to Noirmoutier Island, you will be surprised by the impressive number of windmills here. The island’s mills are ballet masters, elegant and romantic. Flocks of seagulls often come to salute their strange cousins with a tip of the wing. The mills too would love to still be playing with the wind, but they have lost their “wings”. But they still provide a faithful reminder of their millers and that bygone era.
BIRDING AT SÉBASTOPOL POLDER
Located at the entrance to Noirmoutier Island in Barbâtre, the Sébastopol Polder is a protected regional nature reserve. It is a meeting place for many scientists and nature lovers. This nesting spot is terrific for birding and for outdoor walks with the family.
