The 12 things to do on the island of Noirmoutier

Attracted by the Vendée and its many seaside resorts whose reputation is no longer to be made? Come visit Noirmoutier, the Atlantic Pearl!

Visiting the island of Noirmoutier is one thing to do at least once in a traveler’s life. Known for the salt that is produced there, the island of Noirmoutier is discovered with winds, beaches and marshes.

Let yourself be seduced by the beauty of the places, the resonant poetry and come to observe the still wild character of Noirmoutier. The island of the Mimosas (this is how we surname it) has many things to offer and you many surprises. Discover the must-sees of the destination and spend a pleasant stay.

1. Noirmoutier-en-l’Île

The main city of the island, Noirmoutier-en-l’Île occupies the whole north tip. Discover the historic heart of the city, its alleys and the famous district of Banzeau, one of the oldest (occupied from the 11th century).

Noirmoutier-en-Île is very dynamic, driven by many merchants and restaurateurs who will welcome you open arms, ready to offer you the best of their island. It’s also a great place to visit the island of Noirmoutier.

2. The Gois Passage

This is the alternative incongruous of the Pont de Noirmoutier. Not far from the Pointe de la Casie, the Passage du Gois is actually a road, partly paved, submerged to high tide. Original experience, the 4 kilometers of the passage can be travelled on foot, by bike, or by car.

Watch the tide : you have an amplitude of three hours per tide to cross. For example, if the low tide is at 15:00, you can cross between 13:30 and 16:30. Don’t wait for the last moment.

3. The salt marshes

Visiting the island of Noirmoutier without strongly recommending the discovery of salt marshes would be a mistake. They occupy a large part of the island, and offer rather atypical landscapes. The sauniers, as the professionals of the trade, offer visits to their own farms during the summer season.

Salt is a real economic asset for the island since the sixteenth century. If in the 1990s the sauniers were only 35, today they are about a hundred to offer you access to their basins.

4. Sealand, Blacksmith’s aquarium

Programme your diving into the world of the sea! Sealand Aquarium welcomes you and presents you a wonderful universe: aquatic fauna! In the different basins, more than 500,000 litres of seawater are housed in nearly 200 species of different animals!

Go to meet them: sea lions, octopuses, lobsters, turtles, piranhas... Take your eyes all along the course!

5. Fishing on foot

The beaches of the island are easily lent to the game of foot fishing. So don’t hesitate to re-stick your sleeves, board a water bucket and equip you with your good mood. In addition, it allows you to visit the island of Noirmoutier in a way are all very original. To you the pink shrimps, mussels, bigorneaux, clams and other oysters!

On the other hand, make sure you are aware of the conditions, instructions and fishing authorizations when you leave! It is very important, because lipophilic toxins regularly snorkel the bays of the Atlantic Ocean.

6. The castle-museum of Noirmoutier

The Château-musée de Noirmoutier is an excellent way to discover the history of the island through the ages. Also, learn more about the building itself, built in the 12th century and classified as Historical Monument.

The museum offers a permanent exhibition as well as temporary exhibitions whose themes vary over the years. In addition, do not fail to climb into the dungeons from which you will observe the entire island from the top.

7. Ocean, water park

Here is a place thought out for the little ones like the big ones, where fun and joy are guaranteed! Discover the many attractions of the site, from the mud tube to the raft, to the wave pool and the hot tubs.

Completely adapted to a family outing, come and refresh yourself freely! Océanile is ranked first park in France in its category, in terms of activities proposed, and this for three years. A quality pledge!

8. Island to the Papillons

Close to La Guérinière, the island of Les Papillons offers you the opportunity to discover many species, among the most beautiful in the world. They evolve freely in a huge flowery greenhouse, the largest in France.

You can observe the full life cycle of these flying insects, sometimes even a few births! The island of Les Papillons is a family visit to live magnificent moments.

9. Visit the Island of Noirmoutier by bike

The island of Noirmoutier is more than 80 kilometers of cycle routes, with three symbolic and thematic loops. A route map is available on the website of the island of Noirmoutiers.

Bike discovery has the advantage of offering you freedom both in terms of rhythm and stops. The relief being almost non-existent on the island, these bicycle rides are accessible to all. You can rent bicycles on site, in one of the eleven rental points present.

10. Le Noirmout’Train

Tourist attraction par excellence, the small train is a classic. The Noirmout’Train will give you the opportunity to visit the island of Noirmoutier in a few moments. Depending on the circuit you choose (between 35 minutes and 2 hours), go to discover the island, its history, its villages or its marshes.

Tickets buy directly from the driver at the time of departure of the small train which takes place from the Place du Château de Noirmoutiers.

11. The Medieval Garden

Under the impulse of the association ESNOV , travel in time and discover, through an extraordinary garden, the shelf and botanical life of the last millennium. Yes, you read well, millennium.

Inspired by royal writings dating back to the year 812, the association created a garden capable of producing herbs, fruits and textile plants that help monastic autonomy, as at the time. The visit is free but can be commented upon request.

12. Le Bois de la Chaise

A little to the east of Noirmoutier-en-l’Île, go to the discovery of Bois de la Chaise, a place unique to the history also very ancient. It is told that the wood would have been shaved twice in the past, before visibly reborn and sheltered today some dozens of villas that came to camouflage, in search of tranquility.

It is possible to walk there, especially since its vegetation is, against all expectations, rather Mediterranean... Indeed, arbousiers, maritime pines and mimosas develop quietly. The Bois de la Chaise also houses some places to see: the beach of the Dames, the lighthouse of the Red Anse or the Pointe de Saint-Pierre.

Go further...

• Consider registering for one of the many guided tours of the island, this service is implemented by the Office de Tourisme noirmoutrin
• Visit them mills of the Heir, of elegant structures that scatter the island
• Discover the port of Morin, located in L’Épine, very pleasant for a digestive ride for example
• Rest on one of the long beaches of the island of Noirmoutier, a real pleasure for the body and for the mind
• Consider authenticity village Le Vieil, where you can see beautiful white blackoutrine houses, with blue flaps, emblematic of the region

How to go to the island of Noirmoutier?

By car

The easiest way to get to the island of Noirmoutier is actually the car. You then have two possibilities. You borrow either the D38 or the Pont de Noirmoutier all the time accessible, or the Passage de Gois, subject to the constraint of the tide.

A bike

The bike is possible, as long as you have the physical condition to then travel the island.

The Bateau

As far as the boat is concerned, there are a few anchor points: the port of the Herbaudière, the port of Morin, the anchorage of the Bois de la Chaise and the port in echo of Noirmoutier-en-l’Île.

By plane

For those who would like to fly, know that the nearest airport is in Nantes. All right, this airport will allow you to get closer from anywhere in France. Get better offers at the best time by visiting a flight comparison, like Ulysses .

The airport is located at one hour from Noirmoutier, many shuttles Then make the journey. Otherwise, you can easily rent a car . Des coaches depart from Nantes or La Roche-sur-Yon (up to 25 departures per day in summer).

Where to stay on the island of Noirmoutier?

The island of Noirmoutier extends only 49 square kilometres. In fact, much is occupied by salt marshes. But despite this, staying on the island of Noirmoutier is not complicated. It is sprinkled with cities and villages that have the capacity to welcome you, with family or friends.

Campsites, hotels, bed and breakfast Airbnb are common currency.

As for which village to choose, we will only advise you Noirmoutier-en-l’Ile , The Old or The Epine . Both dynamic, authentic and charming, these places will allow you to visit the island of Noirmoutier easily. Of course, we can only recommend you to consult a hotel comparison before making any booking.