Île d'Yeu, a must-see Vendée getaway, is 10 km long and 4 km wide. Its most impressive historical vestige is the Vieux-Château, overlooking the ocean. The island's architecture is distinctive, with whitewashed facades, half-round tile roofs and no storeys. The island has two contrasting landscapes: the wild, rocky coastline is lined with sheer cliffs sheltering small coves, while the coast facing the mainland is more peaceful, with gentle beaches, dunes, pine forests and the port of Port-Joinville. Here's a closer look at the Vendée island's must-sees , from swimming to walking.
1. Le Vieux-Château
Le Vieux-Château is undeniably one of Yeu Island's most emblematic sites! Perched on a steep rocky islet, a fortified castle was built in the 14th century, benefiting from natural moats formed by the sea and the cliff. Crossing the large drawbridge, you can see the remains of the building from the inner courtyard. It was dismantled on the orders of Louis XIV after coming under attack during the French-English-Spanish confrontations. The fortress served as a refuge for the island's population during these numerous incursions. Around the central courtyard are the buildings and amenities necessary for the daily life of the defenders, such as the bakery, kitchen, forge and living quarters. Of particular note is the tower on the left as you enter, with its magnificent rooms leading to a turret. The tour takes you from the castle's courtyard to its towers and parapet walk. During the guided tour, we'll explain how the building was defended and what life was like for its inhabitants under the Ancien Régime. The impressive wild beauty of this Vieux-Château, listed as a historic monument in 1890, will leave you with unforgettable memories!
2. Port-Joinville
Port-Joinville is where you dock on the Ile d'Yeu after crossing from the mainland. This port, which combines yachting and fishing activities, has long been the main tuna port on the Atlantic coast. Even today, Yeu still places great importance on fishing, with regular landings of sea bass, monkfish, hake, sole and pollack on its quays. The 600-berth dock, equipped with pontoons, is an integral part of the old fishing port and remains permanently accessible.
3. The Citadel
Built between 1858 and 1866 on the site of an ancient menhir, earning it the name Fort de Pierre Levée, the Citadelle was erected to defend the island. It was later transformed into a political prison for those who could not be eliminated, but wanted to be kept away from the mainland. It is also famous on the island for the small grove of holm oaks that surrounds it, and the prisoners it has housed: Austro-Hungarians during the First World War, Communists including Jacques Duclos in 1939, Basques and, above all, Marshal Pétain from 1945 to 1951. It was in this fortress, converted into a state prison, that the Marshal spent his final years. After being sentenced to death, General de Gaulle commuted his sentence to life imprisonment. His wife was able to join him on the Ile d'Yeu, enjoying daily visiting rights. With the Marshal's health declining at the age of 95, President Vincent Auriol authorized his release on June 8, 1951. On June 29, he moved to Port-Joinville, the capital of Yeu Island, where he died less than a month later, on July 23, 1951.
4. The Great Lighthouse
Despite numerous shipwrecks and repeated requests from the maritime community, it wasn't until 1829, following the sinking of a Royal Navy scow, that the public authorities set about building a 29 m-high oil lighthouse on the site of a megalithic complex known as Petite Foule. The light intensity produced by burning oil proved insufficient to ensure good visibility, so in 1895 the Grand Phare was fitted with an electric rotating light with a greater range. Destroyed in August 1944, it was replaced in 1951 by a new lighthouse with modern lines to ensure safe navigation south of the Loire. At 41 meters high, this 1st category lighthouse towers 56 m above the open sea, its white glow visible for up to 30 miles.
5. Pointe de la Tranche
In the very south of the island, on the Pointe de La Tranche, the Anse des Soux and its sea cave, you'll find many divers taking advantage of a superb diving spot. Anse des Fontaines and Anse des Vieilles, on the other hand, are more suitable for swimming. From here, you have the widest view of the Côte Sauvage. Then there's the magnificent anse des Soux with its grotto, the tiny anchorage - the last descendant of an ancient port well known in Antiquity - and the plage des Vieilles, which in summer doesn't quite live up to its name.
6. Port de la Meule
The island's first natural wonder, Port de la Meule is actually a cove wedged between two heath-covered cliffs. Once again, it's a must-see on Yeu Island. This little port of caseyeurs illustrates the richness of the seabed in shellfish around the island. On the heights of this picturesque port is the charming Notre-Dame-de-Bonne-Nouvelle chapel, with its white walls and blue door. Built in the 11th century, it is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, protector of sailors. Sailors still come here on pilgrimage on Easter Monday and August 15.
7. Pointe du Châtelet and Sabias beach
Near the hamlet of Ker-Chauvineau, Pointe du Châtelet and its Sabias beach are among the must-see sites on the Vendée island. Located to the south of Pointe du But, this east-facing, south-facing headland is a veritable peninsula on the island's wild coastline, where beach-goers will be delighted by the delightful Plage des Sabias. When you arrive on this sandbar, you'll notice a line of fishermen's huts. At the tip of the point, a calvary stands on a pedestal in the shape of a ship's prow, erected in memory of sailors lost at sea. A must on your itinerary. Don't forget your towel!
Looking for an original family activity? Let yourself be carried away by the sea air and the speed on the pretty beaches of Vendée during a horseback ride on the Ile d'Yeu by booking right here.
8. Saint-Sauveur and its church
Saint-Sauveur is a small village in the heart of the island, a former capital where the inhabitants have not been spared by history! Norman pillaging, English and Spanish occupation caused considerable damage. A fire in 1953 destroyed the church tower, which for centuries had been the first landmark for sailors returning from America, for whom Yeu was often the first port of call. In front of the church are two blessed stones, known as "waiting stones", on which coffins were placed while waiting for funeral convoys. This Romanesque church was built in the year 1000, on the foundations of a previous sanctuary. It was originally a priory, then a parish church.
9. Diving, swimming and lounging
Before you think about discovering France's 20 most beautiful beaches, the Ile d'Yeu is already a great place to enjoy lazy days. Scuba diving enthusiasts consider the area around the Grand Phare to be one of the best dive sites in the Atlantic. In the extreme south of the island, on the Pointe de La Tranche, you'll find the Anse des Soux and its marine grotto. Anse des Fontaines and Anse des Vieilles, meanwhile, are more suited to swimming and relaxation. From here, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the wild coastline. Then there's the splendid Anse des Soux with its grotto and small anchorage, the remains of a port that was once famous in ancient times, as well as the Plage des Vieilles. Last but not least, as mentioned above, the Pointe du Châtelet and Sabias beach is one of the island's many must-see sites. All of which make Ile d'Yeu an excellent destination for a beach vacation. Lovers of relaxation and long swims will be delighted!
10. Try the Vendée gastronomy
Between beaches and family outings, the Vendée is also a region of contrasting landscapes, blending sea and bocage, and offering a rich variety of local produce. You'll find Challans poultry, Vendée ham, mogettes, snails, farmhouse pork and foie gras. Sweet delicacies include brioche vendéenne and gâche, as well as seafood and cheeses. Vendée is also renowned for its Fiefs Vendéens wines and troussepinette (an aperitif), as well as a growing number of craft beers. In the Bocage and Sud-Vendée regions, several producers offer artisanal honeys and jams. Bon appétit!
Where to stay on Yeu Island?
While the Vendée is home to many excellent campsites, the Ile d'Yeu also has some great places to stay.
- The most family-friendly: Les Hautes Mers
Les Hautes Mers is a luxury hotel in a typical island building, complete with swimming pool, and designed as a family home, whichyou can book here.
- The quietest: Hôtel l'Escale
A little out of the way of Port-Joinville, this establishment is quiet and full of charm. The rooms, which you can book here, overlook the garden or patio, and some have a small teak terrace.
- The best location: Atlantic Hôtel
The Atlantic Hôtel is located opposite the landing stage for boats shuttling between the island and the mainland. In the heart of Port-Joinville, restaurants, shops and the morning market are just around the corner. Click here to to book your stay in just a few clicks.
What to do on Yeu Island when it rains?
On a rainy day, a good idea would be to visit the Fishing and Sea Rescue Museum in Port-Joinville. You'll also want to spend some time in one of the island's fine restaurants, discovering the gastronomy of the Vendée. You can also visit the churches.
How to visit Yeu Island by bike?
If the Vendée is one of our favorite destinations for vacations in France with children, it's also an area where there's plenty of great hiking. On Île d'Yeu, however, it's by bike that you'll get the most out of the superb scenery. All the tourist sites (Port de la Meule, Port-Joinville, Pointe du Châtelet, Sabias beach, Vieux-Château, etc.) are linked by a superb 23-kilometre cycle path. As you can see, Yeu's exceptional natural surroundings and deliciously iodized air will be on your cycling agenda.
Click here to book your bike rental on Yeu Island and take advantage of the best rates.
What are the best restaurants on Yeu Island?
- Bar de la Meule
The Bar de la Meule, on the eponymous port, is an emblematic restaurant on the island, whose walls are covered with old photographs and engravings. In summer, you can sit on a terrace along the beach, facing the famous fishermen's huts.
This is a good restaurant, obviously specialized in plancha grills, which can be enjoyed on a sunny terrace or in a pretty dining room.
The gourmet restaurant on Yeu Island! The menu features fine, tasty cuisine, always concocted with fresh produce. Epicureans beware!
