What makes our beautiful department so special is that it is cradled by Atlantic Ocean It influences not only the climate, but also traditions, products and even people's lives.
On the coast, amid the waves, islands enchant tourists every year.
To reach these islands, holidaymakers sometimes have to take a boat, but their isolation guarantees a change of scenery: Ile d'Yeu (Vendée) and Ile d'Aix (Charente Maritime).
Others are called peninsulas and can be reached by a bridge, free or not: Ile de Noirmoutier (Vendée), Ile de Ré (Charente Maritime).
The Island of Noirmoutier
Let's begin our exploration of the islands in the north of the département. Not far from the Loire Atlantique, Noirmoutier Island. The bridge is free of charge. The island can also be reached by crossing the Passage du Gois, a unique feature in Europe, consisting of a road that can be submerged by the tides.
This long island is made up of coastal villages that are very popular with tourists. It is famous for its salt production and its ubiquitous salt marshes. At the Bois de la Chaise, a beautiful jetty and pontoon bridge delight fishermen and holidaymakers eager for boat trips. And let's not forget the old castle, which can be visited every day except Tuesday.
Yeu Island
Yeu Island can only be reached by boat. Depart from Fromentine in just 30 minutes on board the beautiful, comfortable boats that will drop you off at Port Joinville. You can also reach the island from Les Sables d'Olonne, just a few minutes from our campsite. There are a few cars on the island, but it's best to use your bike to explore or visit all the recommended tourist sites. Take a trip up to the Vieux Château, whose base is constantly being tossed about by the waves of the ocean.
Take a trip to Port de la Meule and admire the much-photographed Port de la Meule. Port de la Meule is a magnificent little cove, very typical of the rocky part of the island. Of course, there are plenty of fine sandy beaches to choose from, many of them uncrowded, as the island can only be reached by boat.
The Ile de Ré
Moving on to Charente Maritime. We're now on our way to the town of La Rochelle, where we have to pass through to reach our destination. Ile de Ré via the bridge (you have to pay a toll). Arriving over the bridge, which is a kind of high point, you'll have an almost panoramic view of the north side of the island, all its beaches and various coastal villages such as La Flotte, Saint Martin de Ré and Les Portes en Ré.
You'll naturally be directed to the Phare des Baleine, a major tourist attraction, where you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the tip of this peninsula from the top of this promontory. Don't forget to stop off at Saint Martin de Ré, with its typical little fishing and yachting port. Sitting on the terrace of one of the many cafés and bars, you can admire the spectacle of the boats returning from their expeditions at sea. The island boasts a number of fine sandy beaches. Even in high season, it's always possible to park your car. However, we strongly advise you to take to the roads and cycle along the many cycle paths.
The Isle of Aix
Small in size but big in treasures, l'Ile d'Aix is a haven of nature, an area protected from traffic and pollution. Barely 3 km long and easily explored on foot, it's a remarkable natural site that the authorities have been trying to preserve for years - and for good reason! The number of cars is limited and even regulated to minimise the impact on the environment. A ferry service has been set up from Fouras to access this little haven of peace. The key words here are fortification and fort. In fact, the island was part of a fortified defensive axis to prevent invasion from the mainland in ancient times. It was Napoleon I who initiated the construction of these fortifications, making all the structures on the island virtually impregnable. Immerse yourself in this world by taking a short tour.
