Visiting Yeu Island: the crossing and must-do activities
A granite land set upon the Atlantic, Yeu Island (l'île d'Yeu) beckons from the open sea. Located 45 km from our 4-star campsite in Vendée, it does not have a submersible road like Noirmoutier Island. However, this should in no way hinder your desire to discover it and enjoy its essential activities! From Port Joinville to the Old Castle (Vieux Château), including its beaches and the "Pointe," we reveal everything you need to know to visit Yeu Island during your stay in Vendée!
Essential guide for visiting Yeu Island
A granite land set upon the Atlantic, Yeu Island beckons from the open sea. Located 45 km from our 4-star campsite in Vendée, it does not have a submersible road like Noirmoutier Island. However, this should in no way stop you from wanting to discover it and enjoy its essential activities! From Port Joinville to the Old Castle (Vieux Château), by way of its beaches and the "Pointe," we reveal everything you need to know to visit Yeu Island during your stay in Vendée!
The crossing: heading out to sea from Fromentine
How to get to Yeu Island? You have to cross the ocean! This crossing filters the number of visitors and guarantees a total change of scenery. Two main shipping companies compete to take you to this destination!
Yeu Continent (Departmental company)
This is the choice for speed. Their high-speed catamarans (NGV) practically fly across the water.
- Crossing time: Only 30 minutes.
- Departure: Fromentine (La Barre-de-Monts), located 12 km from our accommodation.
- The slight downside: If you are prone to seasickness, this might not be the best option for you!
La Compagnie Vendéenne
This is the ideal alternative if you plan on taking your time during your Vendée holiday.
- Duration: 45 minutes on monohull ships.
- Experience: Enjoy the outdoor deck with the wind in your hair. It’s the perfect way to watch the silhouette of Yeu Island's castle appear on the horizon.
- Departures: From Fromentine or Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie (21 km from the campsite).
- Our advice: In July and August, booking is essential. We also have excellent news! The ticket service at our seaside campsite in Vendée offers competitive rates for visiting Yeu Island.
Cycling: your best ally on Yeu Island
You step off the boat at Port-Joinville, and the scent of seaweed immediately greets you. Don't stay still! The island covers 23 km², and to visit Yeu Island properly, the bicycle is king. But which one should you choose?
Since the island is not flat and the westerly wind often blows against you on the wild coast, we recommend a mountain bike or, even better, an electric bike (E-bike). This way, you can cruise along the roads toward the Pointe du But or the Pointe des Corbeaux without exhausting yourself.
The advantage of staying at our campsite: L'Abri des Pins' partner offers rentals for all types of two-wheelers! Also, please note that for an additional fee, the shipping companies mentioned above can transport your own bicycle.
Visit Port de la Meule
This is one of the island's major tourist sites. If you can only see one place while visiting Yeu Island, let it be this natural cove carved into the rock on the south of the island.
At high tide, the turquoise water contrasts beautifully with the white houses. At low tide, the port reveals its raw, authentic rocky skeleton. Don't just stay at sea level! Climb the small path towards the Notre-Dame de Bonne-Nouvelle chapel to overlook the bay and the ocean.
Gourmet tip: Avoid the restaurants in the heart of the port during peak season (service can be long). A picnic on the heights with a view over this landscape is worth more than any restaurant meal!
Discover the history of Yeu Island's Old Castle (Vieux-Château)
As you follow the wild coast westward, between the rocks and the short grass, a fortress suddenly appears. The Vieux-Château will charm anyone visiting Yeu Island.
Perched on a rocky outcrop, it looks like something straight out of Tintin's "The Black Island". Built in the 14th century, it was dismantled by order of Louis XIV—not by enemies, but for fear that it might be used against France!
You can explore it with a guided tour (approx. 45 min) or on your own. However, the exterior view from the drawbridge is often enough to capture the power of the site as it stands against the waves.
Good to know: Self-guided tours are only possible during the summer season.
Go for a hike on Yeu Island
Starting from Port Joinville, let the narrow streets and small paths lined with low houses lead the way. Pass through Ker Chalon and admire the Father Monfort Chapel, before reaching the Saint-Sauveur church. The walk continues along the salt marshes and wild beaches, dotted with hidden coves and rocky headlands.
- Distance: 9.8 km
- Duration: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Elevation gain/loss: +22 m / -22 m
- Level: Easy
- Tip: Check the tide times before walking along the coastline to avoid unnecessary detours.
Enjoy the island's beaches
What to do on Yeu Island after all that effort? Go for a swim, of course! The beaches here can rival the tropics:
- Plage des Soux: White sand, emerald water, and cliffs. Wild and unsupervised, it must be earned via a steep path. It is located in the southeast of the island.
- Plage des Sabias: More family-friendly, featuring photogenic fishermen's huts. It is also situated on the southern coast.
- Plage des Sapins: In the northeast, bordered by a fragrant forest. This makes it a superb shady spot for a nap, highly prized by those who love to relax.
Taste the specialities and visit the market
The most food-loving holidaymakers wouldn't dream of sightseeing on Yeu Island without tasting its delights!
- Don't leave without trying the prune tart (tarte aux pruneaux). Strange for an island? It is actually a traditional recipe from sailors' wives, using a fruit that kept well during long sea voyages. Head to Pâtisserie Mousnier in Saint-Sauveur for the absolute gold standard.
- Port-Joinville market: Held every morning, it is another activity you simply shouldn't miss.
Our tip: Buy some smoked albacore tuna or tuna rillettes from the local cannery. In our opinion, it’s much better than a fridge magnet!
Experience Yeu Island’s festivals
When you visit Yeu Island, you might stumble upon its main festivities. Here are a few:
- Fête des Fleurs (Flower Festival): Marvel at the parades of flower-covered floats, held every two years (odd-numbered years) during the Pentecost weekend.
- Trail de l'Île d'Yeu: A very popular race along the coastal paths (bibs sell out fast!). It takes place in June.
- Meule en Fête: At the end of July, this friendly and authentic event (meals, sea shanties) takes place in the Port de la Meule.
- Viens dans mon île: In early August, this popular music festival hosts well-known artists at the foot of the Citadel.
Has Yeu Island won you over? Book your stay at our campsite with a pool in Vendée right now to live this unique experience during your Vendée holiday!