Light and refuge on the high seas
The island of Yeu is located 17 km off the Vendée coast and concentrates on its 23 km2 of land a great diversity of landscapes and natural sites: long beaches, coves, wild coast, bocages and coastal dunes. At the bends of small sunken paths you will find dolmens and menhirs, vestiges of prehistory. A third of the island's surface area is protected by the State and by the European Natura 2000 directive.
Guided tours
Guided tours with a guide interpreter are organized by the Town Hall heritage service from April to October. On offer: walking tours, introductions to fishing on foot on the north coast as well as guided bike rides.
- Information/reservations: Tourist Office – 02 51 58 32 58
- Town Hall Heritage Service: 02 51 26 06 49 / patrimoine@ile-yeu.fr
- Individual / adult and school groups. From April to October.
The island is also strongly marked by its maritime history, you will discover numerous lighthouses and small ports. Fishing still plays an important role on the island, you will be able to see noble fish such as sea bass, sole and turbot landing. A must-see, the fishing museum will help you understand the relationship between the territory and the sea.
The Grand Phare or Little Crowd Lighthouse
Airfield road – Ker Gigou
Opening period:
- May, June and September: Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- July and August: every day from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Museum of Fishing and Sea Rescue
- Association le Corsaire and the SNSM
- Quai de la Chapelle
- Email:abridumarin@live.fr
- Such. 02 51 59 57 21
Opening period: April to September.
You can admire some vestiges of the Middle Ages on the Ile d'Yeu, by visiting La Chapelle de la Meule: one of the oldest religious testimonies still present on the island, the church of St-Sauveur, the citadel Le Fort de Pierre Levée or the old castle.
The Old Castle
Opening period:
April to June and September: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. (last visit departure at 4:30 p.m.).
July and August: every day from 11:00 a.m. (departure of the last visit at 5:30 p.m.).
During your stay on the island, a wide variety of local products on the markets of Port-Joinville and St-Sauveur. And don’t forget to taste the famous prune tart, a true gastronomic institution on the island.
Port-Joinville Market
From October to March: Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; On the Port – Quai Carnot.
April to September: every day from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; On the Port – Quai du Canada.
Saint-Sauveur Market
July and August: every day from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Place of the church of Saint-Sauveur.
Getting to Ile d’Yeu
Sea crossing
There are two companies that connect Ile d’Yeu to the continent: Compagnie Yeu Continent and Compagnie Vendéenne.
The Yeu Continent Company offers departures from Port-Fromentine all year round.
Journey time: 30 minutes aboard a catamaran and 1h10 with a mixed coaster
Contact :
Port Fromentine – 85550 La Barre de Monts
Such. (Fromentine station): 0825 85 3000 (0.15 € / min)
Such. (from abroad): +33(0)2.51.49.59.88
www.compagnie-yeu-continent.fr
The Compagnie Vendéenne offers departures from Fromentine from April to September as well as during the All Saints' Day holidays and departures from St Gilles Croix de Vie from April to September.
Journey time: 45 minutes from Fromentine and 1 hour from St Gilles Croix de Vie.
Contact :
Port Fromentine – 85550 La Barre de Monts
Tel : 0825.139.085
www.compagnievendeenne.com
Crossing by air
You can also reach Ile d’Yeu, all year round, by helicopter from Fromentine.
Flight duration: less than 10 minutes – Reservation required
Contact :
Oya Vendée Helicopters
5, rue Gabriel Guist’hau – BP 307 – 85350 Ile d’Yeu
Tel : 02.51.59.22.22 – Fax : 02.51.59.20.77
Tel. Barre de Monts heliport : 02.51.49.01.01
www.oya-vendee-helico.com
