Duration: 1 day
Destination Noirmoutier
So that you can return from your vacation in Vendée with a light heart and suitcases full of wonderful memories, you can’t miss the following experience…
Head for the Noirmoutier peninsula for an unforgettable trip…
Did you know?
The island of Noirmoutier is nicknamed “l’île aux Mimosas” (the island of mimosas) because of the mild climate in winter.
To kick off this joyous escapade, we’re taking you to a place unlike any other in the world, the aptly named Passage du Gois.
Maybe you’ve heard of it, maybe you’ve seen pictures of it?
But experiencing it in real time is another story…
We’ll also take the opportunity to introduce you to the art of fishing on foot. You’ll see, it’s a super-fun experience that kids aged 7 to 77 generally love.
Let’s get back to the mystery of the Gois… What exactly is it?
Close your eyes and imagine…
At high tide, when you’re on the mainland, your only horizon is this jewel of the Atlantic, this island as beautiful as it is inaccessible, Noirmoutier.
As the hours pass and the water slowly recedes, a road emerges, like an ephemeral natural bridge linking the island to the mainland.
For the duration of a tide (around 6 hours), you can reach Noirmoutier by car, or take advantage of this unique setting to go fishing on foot.
The equipment needed to harvest seafood (clams, periwinkles, knives, etc.):
- A fishing basket to bring home your catch.
- A knife for unhooking certain shellfish.
- A claw for easier digging in the sand.
- A hook for crab fishing in the rocks.
- A ruler that allows you to check the size of your plugs.
NB: To ensure that your fishing trip is a real pleasure and takes place under the best possible conditions, it’s also important to respect certain rules that will guarantee your safety and help protect the marine environment.
A lazy afternoon in the Bois de la Chaize…
After this 100% natural morning, we’ll take you to one of the most beautiful spots on the island.
We headed for Noirmoutier and the Bois de la Chaize, a sort of symbol of the island.
Here, time seems to have stood still. Beauty is no longer subjective, but purely self-evident. Yes, it’s a heavenly place, full of romance, a marvel of nature, quite simply.
As words are rarely enough, and often fail to sublimate the indescribable, we prefer not to say too much and let you experience the magical moment of this first meeting.
Good to know:
If you like hiking, you can enjoy the pleasures of walking from the Bois de la Chaize. In fact, you’ll discover splendid trails that take you along sandy beaches and through woods. If you’re a nature lover, this nature reserve has plenty of surprises in store for you!
Some information about the circuit:
Duration: approx. 2 hours
Distance: 8 km
Difference in altitude: none
Difficulty: None
Markings: yellow
Of course, you can also take advantage of the Bois de la Chaize beach and its idyllic setting to relax. A good novel, a refreshing dip in the ocean and plenty of sunshine: all the ingredients you need to recharge your batteries.
If you’ve still got a bit of strength left, you can head for the Herbaudière before heading home. This typical little fishing port has it all. In our opinion, it’s a perfect illustration of everyday life in the Isle of Man, especially for sailors.
Good to know:
There are plenty of options for visiting Noirmoutier. We’ve chosen to present the must-haves, but you can of course make other choices.
A nice alternative is to rent bicycles to ride around Ile aux Mimosas.
Numerous cycle paths allow you to explore it in complete safety.
For thrill-seekers, the island is renowned for its water sports. Here you’ll find popular spots for windsurfers and kite surfers. Don’t hesitate to ask the locals, who are always happy to give you advice.
See you soon on Île aux Mimosas!
