Beaches in L'Ile-d'Yeu (85350) France - advise, map and photos

Ile d'Yeu is located in the department of Vendee. It is one of the Ponant islands and tourists rush there to enjoy natural, unspoilt landscapes and lovely beaches. The island is the jewel of the department and has a thousand-year-old history. It contains, among the remains, the Old-Castle, built in the fourteenth century, but also prehistoric sites (the dolmen of small Fradets, that of Puare board...)

The island is divided into two distinct parts. The first one is in the southwest; it is defined by wild landscapes, made of sheer cliffs interspersed with small coves. One can discover them while walking on the moor in the old Bocage. Northeast, dunes and pine forests protect beaches and Joint-City, the county seat. One has to leave the car there in order to enjoy the riches of the island on foot or by bicycle (there are three circuits dedicated to cyclists); it is 10 km long and 4 km wide, and widely open to exploration, which is much more enjoyable. Meule harbour, located in a cove surrounded by cliffs, is a must-see gem.

The various beaches in Ile d'Yeu offer preserved environments. The most touristic and accessible beaches are located southeast from Joinville harbour. There are also some coves south of the island at the edge of the Ravens. The most pleasant is Old Ladies Beach. On the wild coast, some small gems are worth a visit. Note that the various beaches in Ile d'Yeu are not monitored.

Mind the fact that beaches are regulated concerning dogs in summer. Please check this page for more information.

To get to Ile-d’Yeu from the mainland, there are connections all year round from the port of Fromentine to La Barre de Monts (connection in 30 minutes with the NGV catamaran or 1:10 with the classic boat). From April to September, there are also connections from Saint Gilles Croix de Vie (1-hour crossing time).