Île d'Yeu: Holiday Apartments and Houses

Île d’Yeu’s coastline combines rocky beaches, dunes and pine forests; around thirty beaches form part of the island landscape. Anyone wishing to rent a holiday apartment in Île d'Yeu can then continue searching for accommodation.

Nature

Grass-covered paths cross the heathland and lead to mills, chapels, marshes and woodland. The marine Natura 2000 area is described as important for Balearic shearwaters; these birds can be found there from June to October outside the breeding season. The beaches are described as suitable for family swimming and water activities because of their shallow waters and lack of currents.

Culture and History

Île d’Yeu has 150 documented prehistoric remains. The Vieux Château was listed as a historic monument in 1890. The island’s maritime history also includes five lighthouses serving the harbour entrance or coastal navigation.

Activities

There are 72 kilometres of marked paths for walks and hikes. The GR Tour de l’île d’Yeu is a 27.5-kilometre coastal route, for which approximately seven hours are indicated. In addition, there are five shorter hiking trails known as sentes.

By bicycle, visitors can use a 16-kilometre circular route. The circuit is marked with directional arrows on the ground and with “Vendée vélo” signs.

Cuisine

The island’s traditional cuisine includes a plum tart considered to be Île d’Yeu’s wedding dessert. Fion, mérisses and betchets are associated with local festival traditions. Local fishing traditions include smoked tuna, tuna pâté and tuna rillettes. Germon can be bought directly from island fishermen and prepared raw or grilled.

The market in Port-Joinville showcases local craftsmanship and regional products.

Getting Around

A 30-minute boat trip connects Port Fromentine with Port Joinville on Île d’Yeu. A ride on the electric Petit Train takes visitors to the west coast and emblematic island sites during a two-hour guided tour; stops are made at Plage des Sabias and Port de la Meule. The Pays de Saint Gilles Croix de Vie Tourist Office describes a day trip to Île d’Yeu during a stay in the surrounding area as possible and recommended.

Other destinations: Maillezais, Notre-Dame-de-Riez, La Tardiere, Sainte-Gemme-La-Plaine, Saint-André-Goule-d'Oie, Puyravault, Bretignolles-Sur-Mer, Jard-Sur-Mer.

To the overall travel overview: Vendée.