To start your exploration off right, dive into the legends and postcard-perfect landscapes that have made the island famous.
Walk Along the Passage du Gois and Visit Iconic Beaches
The highlight of your stay is crossing the Passage du Gois. This mythical 4-kilometer causeway, submerged at high tide, connects the island to the mainland. It’s a unique spectacle in the world! Be sure to check tide times carefully before setting out. At low tide, the area becomes a paradise for shore fishing, where families search the sand for clams and cockles.
Once on the island, head to the Bois de la Chaize. This protected site boasts lush Mediterranean vegetation, where strawberry trees and maritime pines provide welcome shade. Here you’ll find the famous Plage des Dames, recognizable by its white wooden beach huts and pier. It’s the perfect place for a swim or simply to admire the view.
Explore the Town Center and the Château de Noirmoutier
The historic heart of Noirmoutier is well worth a visit. Stroll through the cobbled streets of the Banzeau district, lined with hollyhocks and whitewashed houses. At the center of this maze stands the 12th-century Château de Noirmoutier. This monument houses a fascinating museum on the island’s history, from the Wars of Vendée to the Occupation. From the top of the keep, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views over the town and the surrounding marshes.
Visit the Salt Marshes and Preserved Natural Areas
You can’t visit Noirmoutier without discovering its “white gold.” Salt marshes cover nearly one-third of the island. In summer, salt workers harvest salt and fleur de sel using ancestral methods. It’s a striking and fascinating landscape, where the sky reflects in the salt pans.
For lovers of wild nature, the Polder of Sébastopol is a bird sanctuary classified as a regional nature reserve. It’s a prime spot to observe egrets, avocets and other wading birds. Finally, don’t miss the Jacobsen Jetty, a landscaped dike offering a superb walk between the port and the Müllembourg reserve.
