★ 2 · last edited Jun 10, 2020
Noirmoutier Island
Contributionsversion #3created Jun 10, 2020Report this pageLatest contributions in this guideContributors to this guide
Location verified location
Noirmoutier Island
Open the interactive map
This island of forests, salt marshes, and dunes is a tourist destination. Visitors come for its beaches, walks, Noirmoutier Castle, and the Passage du Gois—a submersible road linking the island to the mainland and one of Noirmoutier’s main attractions.
Overview of Noirmoutier
This island of forests, salt marshes, and dunes is a tourist destination. Visitors come for its beaches, possible walks, Noirmoutier Castle, and the Passage du Gois—a submersible road linking the island to the mainland and one of Noirmoutier’s main attractions.
Key facts
- Tourist interest: (worth seeing).
- Location:
- Local time:
- Main town: Noirmoutier-en-l'Île (4,668 residents).
- Population: 9,438 inhabitants (2014).
- Area: 49 km².
- Density: 192.61 inhabitants/km².
- Highest point: 20 m.
- Coastline:
- Website: http://www.ile-noirmoutier.com
History of Noirmoutier Island
Environment of Noirmoutier
Wildlife and flora
Precautions
What to see in Noirmoutier
Chaise Woods
This is 93 hectares of oak, pine, and mimosa trees along the ocean, dotted with late 19th-century seaside villas, coves, and small cliffs. It’s a great place for walks.
This is 93 hectares of oak, pine, and mimosa trees along the ocean, dotted with late 19th-century seaside villas, coves, and small cliffs. It’s a great place for walks.
L'Herbaudière
At the far northwest tip of the island, this spot is a lively fishing and leisure port with its bars and restaurants.
At the far northwest tip of the island, this spot is a lively fishing and leisure port with its bars and restaurants.
La Guérinière
The commune is at the center of the island, in its narrowest part. For visitors, it is home to several windmills, the island’s traditions museum, beaches, and the Bonhomme oyster port.
The commune is at the center of the island, in its narrowest part. For visitors, it is home to several windmills, the island’s traditions museum, beaches, and the Bonhomme oyster port.
Le Vieil
Located on the northern coast, this is a "typical" hamlet with its traditional Vendée houses lining narrow streets that sometimes lead to the beach. It’s also a popular holiday destination.
Located on the northern coast, this is a "typical" hamlet with its traditional Vendée houses lining narrow streets that sometimes lead to the beach. It’s also a popular holiday destination.
Noirmoutier-en-l'Île
This is the main town on the island, with several tourist attractions: Notre-Dame de la Blanche Abbey, the castle, Sealand Aquarium, the lighthouse at Pointe des Dames, a few dolmens and menhirs, and the expansive Bois de la Chaise.
This is the main town on the island, with several tourist attractions: Notre-Dame de la Blanche Abbey, the castle, Sealand Aquarium, the lighthouse at Pointe des Dames, a few dolmens and menhirs, and the expansive Bois de la Chaise.
Gois Passage
This long, submersible causeway (over 4 kilometres) connecting the island to the mainland is Noirmoutier's main tourist attraction. It can only be crossed by car, bike, or on foot at low tide, as it is covered by the sea at high tide.
This long, submersible causeway (over 4 kilometres) connecting the island to the mainland is Noirmoutier's main tourist attraction. It can only be crossed by car, bike, or on foot at low tide, as it is covered by the sea at high tide.
Barbâtre Pine Forest
The largest wooded area on Noirmoutier (145 hectares). It faces the ocean. You can enjoy its beach or explore it on foot or by bike.
The largest wooded area on Noirmoutier (145 hectares). It faces the ocean. You can enjoy its beach or explore it on foot or by bike.
Souzeaux Walk
It's a lovely seaside stroll along beaches, coves, and forest with beautiful viewpoints.
It's a lovely seaside stroll along beaches, coves, and forest with beautiful viewpoints.
Müllembourg Salt Marsh Nature Reserve
These are 48 hectares of nature protecting a vast expanse of salt marshes that serve as a bird sanctuary.
These are 48 hectares of nature protecting a vast expanse of salt marshes that serve as a bird sanctuary.
Sebastopol Polder Nature Reserve
This is a vast polder area on the eastern side of the island, not far from the Passage du Gois. A 3-kilometre walking trail allows visitors to explore the site, its wildlife, and its flora.
This is a vast polder area on the eastern side of the island, not far from the Passage du Gois. A 3-kilometre walking trail allows visitors to explore the site, its wildlife, and its flora.
In the surrounding area
La Barre de Monts
This locality primarily serves as a departure point for boats to Île d'Yeu. One of its hamlets, Fromentine, is also a seaside resort.
This locality primarily serves as a departure point for boats to Île d'Yeu. One of its hamlets, Fromentine, is also a seaside resort.
What to do in Noirmoutier
Beaches and swimming
Walks
Climate and weather in Noirmoutier
The island’s climate is particularly pleasant thanks to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean. Winters are mild and slightly humid, while summers are temperate. Noirmoutier also enjoys good sunshine.
Sea temperature throughout the year
| Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noirmoutier | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 18 | 17 | 14 | 12 |
Transport
Getting there
Getting around
Accommodation
Food
Useful addresses
Additional information
Recommended
Gois Passage
★★★ This long, submersible causeway (over 4 kilometres) connecting the island to the mainland is Noirmoutier's main tourist attraction. It can…
Worth a look / Other
Chaise Woods
★★ This is 93 hectares of oak, pine, and mimosa trees along the ocean, dotted with late 19th-century seaside villas, coves, and small cliffs…
Le Vieil
★★ Located on the northern coast, this is a "typical" hamlet with its traditional Vendée houses lining narrow streets that sometimes lead to…
Noirmoutier-en-l'Île
★★ This is the main town on the island, with several tourist attractions: Notre-Dame de la Blanche Abbey, the castle, Sealand Aquarium, the…
Souzeaux Walk
★★ It's a lovely seaside stroll along beaches, coves, and forest with beautiful viewpoints.
L'Herbaudière
★ At the far northwest tip of the island, this spot is a lively fishing and leisure port with its bars and restaurants.
La Barre de Monts
★ This locality primarily serves as a departure point for boats to Île d'Yeu. One of its hamlets, Fromentine, is also a seaside resort.
La Guérinière
★ The commune is at the center of the island, in its narrowest part. For visitors, it is home to several windmills, the island’s…
Barbâtre Pine Forest
★ The largest wooded area on Noirmoutier (145 hectares). It faces the ocean. You can enjoy its beach or explore it on foot or by bike.
Müllembourg Salt Marsh Nature Reserve
★ These are 48 hectares of nature protecting a vast expanse of salt marshes that serve as a bird sanctuary.
Sebastopol Polder Nature Reserve
★ This is a vast polder area on the eastern side of the island, not far from the Passage du Gois. A 3-kilometre walking trail allows visitors…
Saint-Jean-de-Monts
★ A fairly popular seaside resort located just before Noirmoutier.