The islands
Yeu island
An island of many faces:
A lively and colourful fishing port, romantically tinged bays, a coastline wilderness sharpened by cliff tops, luminous beaches and a chapel overlooking the open sea – the sweeping landscapes of Yeu island are beautiful. It is a sunny and peaceful island which lends itself to exploration on foot or by bike along its countless pathways, inviting visitors to discover wooded areas, heath and cliff tops. The wealth of flora and fauna, combined with the quality of the landscapes, make this island a protected area. It is accessible by sea from Fromentine, the Noirmoutier island, Saint Gilles Croix-de-Vie and Les Sables d’Olonne.
Noirmoutier island
This is a lively island, marked by the white of its saltmarshes, the greenery of its woodland and the golden colour of its dunes and beaches. In addition to the pleasure boats moored on the jetties of l’Herbaudière port and off the beaches, Noirmoutier boasts a remarkable fleet of traditional sailing ships. The island can be reached via the unusual Gois (a 4.5 km causeway that is submerged at high tide) - and since 1971, via a bridge. This underwater «road» is a sure tourist attraction, as well being
the ideal place for a spot of shellfish harvesting on foot. Bois de la Chaise is the island’s most famous site, with its holm oaks, arbutus and maritime pines, dotted with elegant villas nestled under the trees. The island’s reputation is still very much attached to its gastronomy: the production of salt from the traditional saltmarshes, and cultivation of the bonnotte – small, early season potatoes with a nutty flavour...
