Experience the island of Yeu
Heading to Yeu Island for a day
The island of Yeu is unspoiled and is one of the jewels of the Atlantic coast. This small island is well worth the detour and is a must during your stay in Vendée.
If you have chosen the Vendée, it is to discover new horizons.
This is the excursion we highly recommend during your stay!
Unlike the island of Noirmoutier, the island of Yeu is only accessible by sea or by air. Saint Gilles Croix de Vie is the closest to Le Petit Paris to embark on a boat. It will take less than 45 minutes by car.
Practical information 
On site, the boat company offers free parking:
P1 : “Ile d’Yeu” parking lot located 500 m from the pier – boulevard Georges Pompidou
P2 : parking at the old swimming pool located at 1km from the pier – at the end of the rue de la Rabalette
All aboard!
Board the ship and set off for the hour-long crossing.
During the trip to the island, you will enjoy a 360° view of the ocean – it is spectacular!
To best prepare your outing, you can book your tickets in advance directly online.
We advise you to get up early (and in a good mood) to make the most of your day.
Good to know : any equipment deemed cumbersome may be refused boarding by the Compagnie Vendéenne staff. So travel light!
After the 60 minute crossing, you have arrived on the island of Yeu.
You will love this small island with its pristine and authentic charm.
The adventurous types can access the island by helicopter.
On the island of Yeu, nature is the main attraction.
The island of Yeu is a natural, untouched spot. Here, you will come cross very few cars. The circumference of the island is 23.32 kilometers and it lends itself perfectly to bike rides. Especially since the terrain is rather flat.
This is the best way to discover the beauty of this island and its treasures while enjoying the pure sea air.
In Port Joinville, there is no shortage of bike rental shops. The tourist influx is such that in high season, it is advisable to book your bike ahead of time.
Get ready to pedal!
You can embark on a 28 km tour of the island.
It will take about 4 and a half hours (with breaks).
You will be able to take in the main sites of the island.
If you prefer to opt for a smaller tour, here is another one:
Distance : 14 km
Duration : 2.30 hours
This circuit allows you to use the paths that cut across the island.
Ride to the Vieux Chateau that was built on a rock, then continue your route to the small port of La Meule.
Finally, head back to Port Joinville.
On your ride, you will discover golden sandy beaches and beautiful, small intimate coves.
La Belle-maison and Les Sables Rouis are two lovely creeks. Lay your towel down and take the time to bathe in these turquoise waters.
An enchanted interlude of a few minutes that will do you a world of good.
For lunch, there is everything you need on the island
Epicureans; do not miss the small friendly market of Port Joinville. It takes place every day and allows you to discover the local dishes displayed on the colourful and fragrant stalls.
The smell of roast chicken, the tempting sausages and cheeses and delicious fruits and vegetables…
What could be more appealing on a sunny day than a stroll through a market?
Here are two addresses for a meal that we particularly like:
- The crêperie Bleue offers home cooking with a privileged spot on the port.
- Otherwise you can opt for a more refined cuisine at Les Bafouettes. A mixture of flavours that will make your mouth water.
Back at the campsite, you will not regret having made the trip to this gorgeous island.
