Authentic gourmet getaway in Noirmoutier, between land and sea
Noirmoutier, "l'île aux mimosas" (the island of mimosas), opens its doors to you for a relaxing getaway for two or a group of friends, with a focus on discovery and gourmet delights. Let yourself be enchanted by the charms of this authentic island, where landscapes oscillate between dunes, salt marshes and pine forests. As you cycle along, let yourself be surprised by Noirmoutier's hidden treasures, and savour the delights of its terroir.
You'll love
The island's varied landscapes, with dunes, salt marshes and forests
Discover typical villages and authentic ports
Tasting fresh, tasty local produce
Cycling, the ideal way to get the most out of the island
Day 1 : Between beaches and harbours, let yourself be seduced by Noirmoutier
Morning: nothing like a bus ride from Nantes...
It's so easy. Your trip can start with a ride on an ALEOP line 13 coach from Nantes, unless you're tempted by a two-wheeled itinerary across the famous Passage du Gois - at low tide, of course. Drop off your luggage at your accommodation, then set off to discover the charming little town of Noirmoutier-en-l'Île. Enjoy a coffee break on the harbor, lulled by the breeze and the cries of the seagulls, before setting off to explore the island by bike.
Afternoon: The northern loop, between beaches and harbours
Get on your bikes and explore the northern loop of the island. Let yourself be charmed by the Bois de la Chaize, where a meditation break is in order. Enjoy a swim at Plage des Souzeaux or a siesta in the sun at Anse Rouge cove, a little corner of paradise with its fine sandy beach. Continue on to the farming village of Le Vieil, where you can enjoy lunch at Gustave Café, an authentic restaurant full of character. Continue on to the port of L'Herbaudière, a true testament to the island's maritime heritage.
Evening: Tasting of local produce
On your return to Noirmoutier-en-l'Île, dedicate your evening to the delights of the island, with its fish "back from the sea", its oysters, the inevitable iodized seafood, its delicious potatoes like the bonnotte, the traditional variety emblematic of the island... No doubt you'll find a traditional restaurant where you can savor one of these regional specialties, for a great tasting experience.
Day 2 : Nautical activities and meetings with the island's artisans
Morning: Thrills and discovery
Start your second day with a water activity of your choice: kite-surfing, windsurfing, sea kayaking or paddleboarding. As the tides shape the landscape, let yourself be carried along by the elements and discover Noirmoutier's seascapes from another angle, from the ocean.
Afternoon: Island flavours
Head to La Guérinière, and more precisely to the charming oyster port of Le Bonhomme. Here, oysters bred in nearby oyster beds are offered to your palate. As you close your eyes, you can abandon yourself to the comings and goings of the "plates", the traditional boats used by oyster farmers, which will lull you into a gourmet experience. On the way back, stop off at the salt marshes in the commune of l'Épine to meet a saunier, a traditional and ancestral trade. He'll tell you all about his carnations, the circulation of seawater in the marshes, the combined effects of wind and sun - a fascinating world that shapes the secrets of the island's white gold.
You'll leave with a head full of memories, a taste bud full of flavors and a desire to return to this little corner of paradise very soon.