Noirmoutier

Visit Noirmoutier, Pays de la Loire

The large island of Noirmoutier is found off the Vendée coast of western France, facing the Atlantic Ocean.

There are two ways to reach Noirmoutier from mainland France - the newer bridge from La Barre-de-Monts or the more traditional 'Passage du Gois'. The Passage du Gois is a road that is completely submerged at high tide, hence can only be used at certain times of day.

Exploring Noirmoutier

It is to the north-east of the island, and the town of Noirmoutier-en-Ille, that you will want to travel - it is the traditional port for the island, and also has an interesting 12th century castle and church to visit.Nearby Herbaudiére, at the north-western tip of the island, is an active fishing port and also centre for various water based leisure activities.

Noirmoutier castle and museum

It is also in Noirmoutier-en-Ille that you can visit the medieval castle, built in the 12th century. Like many medieval castles it was improved to make the accommodation more comfortable in the 15th century, and now holds the island's history museum.

The castle itself has a large courtyard and is surrounded by further defensive walls. They tell me there are lovely views from these walls but the castle was closed when we visited - it is generally open afternoons mid february to early November, but closed on tuesdays outside high season.

Elsewhere on Noirmoutier

Another of the highlights of the island is the many traditional low buildings with whitewashed walls that you pass as you drive around.

The best beaches (there are more than 50 kilometres in total) are along the western coast, pleasant and sandy, and there are a few traditional villages to enjoy en route.

A traditional market is held in Noirmoutier-en-Ille each friday morning, with additional summer markets on tuesday and sunday during the summer, and also a summer only market is held in Herbaudière on monday mornings.

The Chaise forest of oaks and mimosas, running along the coast to the north-east of the island, is also worth visiting and exploring, as are the small forests along the western coast. The tourist office can provide you with information about walks and cycle routes on Noirmoutier that will help you best enjoy the nature and the scenery.

If you (or your children!) need more action on Noirmoutier head for Oceanile water park for lots of dramatic water slides, waterfalls and fun for all.

Note: you may perhaps recognise the name 'Noirmoutier' - it still has an active salt production role, and provides a great deal of France's table salt.

Tourist classifications for Noirmoutier: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 2*;

Suggested places to visit near Noirmoutier, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: La Baule 33km; Le Pouliguen 33km; Batz-sur-Mer 35km; Cote d'Amour 38km; Le Croisic 38km; Guerande 38km; Saint Gilles Croix de Vie 41km; La Turballe 43km; Nantes 56km; La Roche-Bernard 57km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Noirmoutier

Noirmoutier tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Pointe Sainte-Gildas - site of natural beauty (14km) : Notre-Dame-de-Monts - ville fleurie 4* (21km) : Saint-Jean-de-Monts - ville fleurie 4* (27km) : Marais de Machecoul - site of natural beauty (31km) : Loire Estuaire - site of natural beauty (32km) : Briere - regional natural parc (43km) : Lac de Grand-Lieu - site of natural beauty (43km) : Marais Salants de Guérande - site of natural beauty (46km) :

French version: see Noirmoutier (Francais)