The must-see sites of the Isle of Yeu

The Isle of Yeu welcomes you for a stay you will remember for a long time. Welcome to this little treasure of the Atlantic where nature reigns supreme. Far from the hustle and bustle of the continent, this Vendée island can be discovered at a gentler pace, ideally by bike, following the trails and the landscapes that follow one another.

Between its wild coasts, its secret beaches and its historical heritage, the island of Yeu promises a journey out of time. Embark on a tour of the island's wonders. One thing is certain: the island of Yeu will not leave you indifferent.

Anse des Soux beach

Nestled in a small cove, Anse des Soux is a true picture postcard of the Isle of Yeu. Its setting is spectacular : surrounded by steep cliffs and rocks, it reveals a small stretch of fine sand bathed by translucent waters.

Access to this beach is well-deserved. After leaving your bike on the coastal path, you will have to descend a series of more or less easy steps. This helps to protect it from the crowds and gives it an intimate atmosphere. At the bottom, the view is breathtaking. Anse des Soux is an ideal place to swim in a dream setting, lie down on the sand to recharge your batteries or simply admire the magnificent landscape that surrounds it.

This is an absolute must-see for anyone looking to discover the raw and wild beauty of the Isle of Yeu. Want to feel like you're alone in the world? You've come to the right place!

The Port of the Millstone

If you had to choose just one place to sum up the charm of the island of Yeu, the Vendée Guide would undoubtedly choose the Port de la Meule. This small natural port, nestled at the bottom of a deep cove on the wild coast, is often considered the most beautiful and most photographed on the island.

It is a haven of peace where colorful fishing boats sway to the rhythm of the waves, protected by the steep cliffs. The view is dominated by the small chapel of Notre-Dame de Bonne Nouvelle, perched on the cliff, which watches over the sailors. The atmosphere is timeless. The place has only a few small fishing huts, which contributes to its authentic and preserved character.

Accessible by the coastal path, the Port de la Meule offers a spectacle that is both wild and peaceful. Whether at sunrise, when the colors awaken, or at the end of the day for an impromptu picnic, the magic always works.

The Old Castle

Built atop a rocky promontory, Le Vieux-Château is undoubtedly the historical emblem of the island of Yeu. Its imposing ramparts and crenellated towers seem to defy the Atlantic, offering a spectacle that is both majestic and romantic.

Built in the 14th century to protect the island from invasions, this medieval castle has had a turbulent history, suffering assaults and destruction over the centuries. Although now in ruins, it retains a power and charm that fascinates visitors.

A visit to the Old Castle is ideal for exploring the remains of the keep, the dwellings and the surrounding walls, while enjoying breathtaking views of the wild coast and the ocean. It's a must-see for lovers of heritage and beautiful stories.

The Grand Lighthouse

The Grand Phare stands proudly in the northwest of the island. It is not only a guide for sailors, it is also an exceptional viewpoint for visitors. The first lighthouse to be electrified in France, it has a unique history : destroyed during the Second World War, it was rebuilt identically to its original state and returned to service in 1950.

Standing 57 meters high, it dominates the island and the ocean. To access the lantern and the breathtaking view it offers, you have to climb its 198 steps (not 200, 198!). The effort is amply rewarded: once at the top, the 360-degree view is breathtaking. Before you, the entire island, its wild coasts, its dunes, its ports, stretches to the horizon, where the ocean merges with the sky.

The Grand Phare is therefore much more than just a maritime signaling structure. It is an essential landmark and an experience in its own right for anyone wishing to understand the geography and beauty of the Île d'Yeu.

The Dolmen of Planche-à-Puare

While the island of Yeu is famous for its seascapes and medieval heritage, it also contains much older treasures. The Dolmen de la Planche-à-Puare, located in the heart of the land, is one of the most fascinating witnesses to this prehistoric history.

Listed as a historical monument, this funerary dolmen dating from the Neolithic period is an imposing vestige that takes us back thousands of years. Despite the passage of time and deterioration, the structure remains recognizable, composed of a large stone slab resting on vertical supports. It is easy to imagine for the Vendée Guide the rites and ceremonies that may have taken place there.

Surrounded by moorland and vegetation, the Dolmen site offers a mysterious and timeless atmosphere. It is a place that invites contemplation and reflection on the first civilizations that set foot on the island. It perfectly completes the circuit of must-sees by offering an immersion in another dimension of the history of the island of Yeu.

Port-Joinville

Port-Joinville is the nerve center and soul of the Isle of Yeu. This is where the excitement is concentrated and where visitors discover the first facets of island life. With its lively quays and shopping streets, it sets the tone for your stay.

This deep-water port welcomes passenger ferries, fishing boats, and pleasure craft. As you stroll around, watch the sailors come and go and the trawlers unload their catch of the day. The port is surrounded by white houses with colorful shutters, characteristic of the local architecture.

In the adjacent streets, you'll find numerous restaurants, bars, shops and bike rentals, which make Port-Joinville a lively place to live. It's the ideal starting point for exploring the rest of the island, but it's also a great place to stroll, sit on a terrace and soak up the island's unique atmosphere.

Sabias Beach on the Wild Coast

Sabias Beach, although not the largest on the island, has a crazy charm and an authentic character that make it a must-see on the wild coast. Located not far from the Old Castle, it is a real secret cove that offers a unique spectacle.

What makes it so special are the rocks that dot its fine sand and the small fishing huts that surround it, built in the purest spirit of the island. These colorful shelters give the beach a world-end feel and bear witness to the simple and harsh life of fishermen of yesteryear.

Protected from the wind by cliffs, it is an ideal place to relax, enjoy the tranquility and admire the wild beauty of the coastline. You can swim there in peace or simply take photos of its unique setting. Sabias Beach is the perfect place for those looking for authenticity and picturesqueness, far from the busier beaches.

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