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Pommes de terre_Savourer

POTATOES OF NOIRMOUTIER ISLAND

LAND THAT MAKES FOR A UNIQUE TASTE

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.

LAND THAT MAKES FOR A UNIQUE TASTE

The people of Noirmoutier have always made the most of the resources of the ocean surrounding them. But that’s not to say that they’ve neglected agriculture on the vast plains in the northern part of the island. That farmland is sheltered from the westerly winds and the frost in a large triangle situated between Noirmoutier, Le Vieil and L’Herbaudière. This land is special: lightweight and very sandy. In the autumn, the farmers collect seaweed from the beaches, that they then use to fertilize their fields. The unique flavour of Noirmoutier’s potatoes is said to come from the iodine in the kelp. According to tradition, potatoes are planted by hand at Candlemas and harvested 90 days later, in early May, as “new potatoes” – meaning the size of a thumb. To sample them, simply scrub them under water and brown them in butter.

Champs cultures pommes de terre Noirmoutier - Trendz

Potatoes' field - Noirmoutier ©Trendz

La Bonnotte de Noirmoutier

Bonnotte of Noirmoutier

Coopérative agricole - Pascal Beltrami

A COOPERATIVE PROUD OF ITS LABEL

The 40 small-scale farmers on Noirmoutier follow precise specifications to maintain their production levels. Quality, safety and transparency standards – a process launched by the Noirmoutier cooperative – have been recorded in a set of agri-confidence guidelines to ensure yields of high quality potatoes. 300 tonnes are handled daily, and each potato is sent out on the same day as it was picked. A site wholly dedicated to the unique Noirmoutier potato.

 

Fête de la Bonnotte île de Noirmoutier

THE BONNOTTE FESTIVAL: ONE HECK OF A POTATO!

For the last 18 years, on the first Saturday in May, the farmers of Noirmoutier celebrate with great pomp their most emblematic potato: the Bonnotte!


Planted at Candlemas and harvested 90 days later, in early May, it is only produced in Noirmoutier and then only in very small quantities. At the initiative of young farmers, this intense moment is marked by many activities. In the morning, you can pick your Bonnottes directly in the fields. In the afternoon, join a puzzle-filled treasure hunt by bicycle. The day ends with a typical Vendée dinner – Bonnottes, grilled sardines or Challans chicken, brioche and Fiefs Vendéens-Brem wines – plus a concert. Nearly 2,000 meals are served each year.
Shall we set your place at the table?

Loin des yeux
près du cœur

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