In winter
on the island of Noirmoutier
Recharge your batteries whilst bundled up on a walk. Appreciate the peacefulness of deserted beaches and inhale the aromas of the blossoming mimosas.
After an autumn bathed in light comes a time of great calm on Noirmoutier Island. A special time to get back in touch with your emotions. To listen to the calls of the birds come to stay for the winter. To breathe in the scent of the ocean, now returned to its wilderness state. To gorge yourself on that light which filters, towards and against everything. To savour the hint of iodine in oysters from the open sea. To scratch at the foreshore with your hands. To set your emotions free during a short breather before the exuberance of Christmastime!
Noirmoutier Island decks itself out in the colours of winter, offering you a different season with different delights. The beach is all yours, with your caps pulled down over your ears, so treat yourself to an invigorating walk, recharge your batteries, take a break! Then give in to a snack of crêpes with salted butter caramel in front of a hot chimney fire. Christmas carols thrust the streets into the magic of the holidays, the shop windows are decorated, the scent of delicious mulled wine wafts towards you, and children’s voices fill the air... You will be delighted as you recall the joyous images of Christmas holidays!!! Scarves and gloves have replaced flip-flops and shorts, people sip on hot cocoa at sidewalk cafés, and you can enjoy not worrying about the time. The emphasis is on walking. You say hello to the people you pass. You may not know them, but you all share the pleasure of being here.
Nous avons des suggestions pour vous
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.
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.
Romantic Noirmoutier Island
Noirmoutier Island welcomes lovers with its preserved scenery and its authenticity.
What to do with children on Noirmoutier Island?
Noirmoutier Island is bursting with hidden treasures which sea dogs young and old will enjoy discovering together. Let our activities suggestions inspire you.
WALKING AMONGST THE PINES, FAR FROM THE HUSTLE & BUSTLE
Almost as soon as you cross the bridge, Barbâtre Forest to the west will capture your gaze. Planted with large maritime pines, the largest forest on the island runs alongside the beach, combining views of the sea with the pleasant scent of undergrowth where pine needles crunch underfoot.
EXPERIENCE NEW HEIGHTS IN BOIS DES ELOUX
Another facet of the island is the Bois des Eloux wood, with its maritime pines and its sandy paths, perfect for hiking, picnicking... and jogging!
Cross Gois passage
Check the tide times before crossing the Gois passage. In case of average coefficient, beyond 70, you can cross 1 hour and half before and 1 hour and half after low tide. The Gois passage is a mythical road between Noirmoutier Island and the continent, but also a talented transformist capable of appearing under two very different lights. Whether emerging or hidden, the Gois always has a theatrical flair... a continuous show that delights its spectators.
WALK UNDER THE EVERGREEN OAKS OF BOIS DE LA CHAISE
Installed on the sandstone north-east of Noirmoutier-en-l'Ile, sheltered from the westerly winds, this wood is pure ocean sweetness. It is distinguished by the variety of its Mediterranean essences: oaks, strawberry trees, maritime pines and mimosas flourish there in a very studied clutter. The painter Auguste Renoir was conquered by this inspired and inspiring place. Will you be as much as he?
