The island of Noirmoutier with its beaches and salt marshes

From the beaches of Préfailles, a town near La Plaine-sur-Mer and just a short distance from the Le Ranch campsite, you will spot the Vendéen island of Noirmoutier on the horizon. It is one of the Atlantic’s flagship destinations and will be a highlight of your stay.

Noirmoutier, the island of 100 mills and salt marshes…

To access the island from the mainland, it couldn’t be simpler! If you’re coming by car, just take the D38 bridge. On foot or by bicycle, you can take the famous Passage du Gois, a beautiful causeway stretching 4.2 km. However, it’s best avoided at high tide when the path is entirely submerged!

Once you arrive, you’ll be won over by the peaceful island of Noirmoutier with its quiet beaches and historic villages such as Noirmoutier-en-Ile or Viel. On the northern tip of the island, there’s the Bois de la Chaise woodland. Lined with beautiful villas, numerous coves, a pier and white beach huts, this is the ideal place for a family walk.

You can also see a number of old but very well-preserved windmills built by monks, and the castle of Noirmoutier and its 4 imposing towers.

…and the island of mimosas, and its unspoilt nature

The island of Noirmoutier also benefits from a mild climate and vegetation you’d usually find in the south, making it an idyllic place for a stay surrounded by nature.

If you pass by Barbastre, you will be immersed in the island’s unspoilt natural setting. From the dunes to the tall pine forests, take one of the hiking trails or cycle paths for a lovely tour of the area!

The salt marshes, which are still in operation, are another noteworthy feature of the area and occupy almost a third of the island’s surface. For a breathtaking view of the marshes, follow the path that links the port to Fort Larron. Le Grand Müllenbourg marsh is now an ornithological reserve for the delight of bird watchers and wildlife lovers.

Finally, at La Guérinière, you can taste the superb oysters and visit the Île aux Papillons butterfly park.

Did you know? Noirmoutier was not always an island: it used to be attached to the continent and our ancient Celtic and Roman ancestors benefited from a much wider coast than today.