THE VENDÉE ISLANDS: YEU ISLAND AND NOIRMOUTIER ISLAND

4,700 inhabitants, 10 km long by 4 km wide, area: 23 km²

A 45-minute boat ride from the mainland, Yeu Island enjoys the charms and tranquility of island life. While this gem of granite and sand resting on the ocean long lived off fishing, it now relies largely on tourism. It must be said that the small Vendée island has no shortage of assets to captivate its visitors.

Everything here invites delight and gentle living: peaceful hamlets, flower-filled lanes, white houses with blue shutters, fine sandy beaches, coves hidden between the rocks, and forests of pine, holm oak, and tamarisk…

History and heritage lovers are not left out. Yeu Island is home to a remarkably rich heritage, such as the Vieux-Château, a 14th-century fortified castle built on a rocky islet. It is said that Hergé drew inspiration from it for Tintin and The Black Island. The site is truly mysterious, and the view from the top of the ramparts is worth its weight in gold.

Among the island’s iconic landmarks, you will also find the port of La Meule and its adorable white chapel, the medieval frescoes of Saint-Sauveur Church, the Great Lighthouse of Yeu Island (38 m high), and the Fort de Pierre-Levée, known as “La Citadelle”.

How to get to Yeu Island: boat connections operate year-round from Fromentine, and from April to October departing from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie.

9,600 inhabitants, 25 km long by 12 km wide, area: 50 km²

Nicknamed the Mimosa Island due to its mild climate, Noirmoutier is a seaside paradise that has lost none of its island charm, despite the bridge connecting it to the mainland since 1971. But nothing stops you from coming to Noirmoutier by crossing the famous Passage du Gois, just like in the old days.

Bucolic, exotic, and restful… Noirmoutier Island is a multifaceted territory, alternating between colorful ports, picturesque villages, fine sandy beaches, rocky points, salt marshes, and holm oak forests.

Hiking enthusiasts can stretch their legs in the Barbâtre forest or stroll through the Sébastopol Polder nature reserve. If you prefer beaches, head to the legendary Plage des Dames and its iconic beach huts (the ones seen in the movie “Nicholas on Holiday”).

Among the must-see tourist spots is the port of L’Herbaudière. The return of the fishing boats is always a great sight to behold. History buffs can satisfy their curiosity with a visit to the Noirmoutier Castle, built in the late 12th century. The tower houses a museum dedicated to local history and traditions. It is also one of the best-preserved Romanesque keeps in western France.

How to get to Noirmoutier Island: cross the Noirmoutier bridge (free of charge), which links Barbâtre to the mainland from Fromentine / La Barre-de-Monts, or take the Passage du Gois, a 4 km submersible causeway (passable only at low tide).

As soon as the sunny days arrive, campsites often display “fully booked” signs on Yeu Island and Noirmoutier Island. In that case, you can book your stay at a campsite in Saint-Jean-de-Monts, located near the ferry terminal for Yeu Island. Noirmoutier, meanwhile, is just 30 km away.

Discover the unforgettable experience of a 4-star family campsite at budget-friendly prices at Le Zagarella, where happiness takes root in our comfortable mobile homes or spacious camping pitches. Dive into our water park and create magical moments with your family!