The Vendée Islands by bike

Coasting the island of Yeu and the island of Noirmoutier

Highlights

Noirmoutier, its cycle paths, its marshes and its beaches ...
The cruise between Fromentine and the island of Yeu
The island of Yeu: wild, exotic, relaxing
Flat courses, accessible to all

The Vendée Island

Cycling between Noirmoutier and Ile d'Yeu, a bike ride that will please couples and families!

With your family, loved one, or friends, this bike trip invites you to discover the multiple charms of the Atlantic coast and the Vendée islands. This route, accessible and ideal to initiate oneself in bike-touring, is reminiscent of summer vacations. One can imagine the cycle tracks on the seafront, the sandy beaches, swimming after the cycling stages, the scent of pine trees, the glowing sunsets over the Atlantic and of course the generous plates of fish and seafood ​​to regain strength. Restful and exotic, this bike trip in Vendée brings together all the ingredients for a successful active and fun holiday.

Throughout your island adventure, the ocean is omnipresent. Faithful traveling companion, you have the leisure to contemplate it every day during your cycling stages. The boat crossings between Fromentine and the Ile d’Yeu are an additional opportunity to observe the immensity of the Atlantic Ocean.
To reach the island of Noirmoutier from the mainland two options are available to you. The most out of the ordinary is to take the passage du Gois. Built in the 18th century, this submersible road is only negotiable at low tide. Pedaling between the waves on this thin asphalt string is a highlight of the stay. Remember to check the tides.

On the island of Noirmoutier, you explore hospitable seaside landscapes where it is pleasant to progress by bicycle. The long sandy beaches, the enchanting dunes, the pine forests and the salt marshes are the playground for your rides on the many cycle paths of the island. In the typical villages of the island, the relaxed and cheerful atmosphere invites you to relax and let go.

Located further offshore, the island of Yeu reveals a very distinct face of Noirmoutier. On Yeu, the coast is more rocky, more tormented, and more untamed too. Its jagged wild coast recalls the Celtic lands of Brittany or Ireland. Nestled between the cliffs and bathed in turquoise water, the Soux cove offers one of the most sumptuous landscapes on the island.

Please note: depending on the tides, the boat timetables for the island of Yeu vary widely. Depending on the dates of your stay, we adapt the route to take into account the crossing times.

Discover all of our cycling trips along the Atlantic Coast.

carte itinéraires iles vendéennes séjour à velo
Niveau EasyEasy or Niveau LeisureLeisure
Day 1

BOUIN

Arrive in Bouin at your convenience. Check-in at your accomodation.

Day 2

From BOUIN to NOIRMOUTIER EN L'ILE 34km 12m Niveau Loisir

Between the marshes and the sea your route passes by the oyster beds and crosses some charming ports. It’s the opportunity to discover the oyster crafts and taste the fruit of their work! In the afternoon, you discover the shores of the island of Noirmoutier. A beautiful bike path makes the center of the island easy to reach by bike.

VIGILANCE: works on the cycle track of the Noirmoutier bridge. 3 solutions to make the crossing:

– ride on the shared lane limited to 50km/h ;

– push your bike on the pavement;

– go through the Gois passage if the tide allows it.

If the sea is low, take advantage of it to go through the flood plain called passage du Gois.

  • For a few more km 51km 46m Niveau Forme

    If the sea is high, you will continue your cycling trip on the bridge that connects the island to the mainland since 1971.

Day 3

FROM NOIRMOUTIER EN L'ILE, NOIRMOUTIER EN L'ILE LOOP 18km 20m Niveau Facile

This loop offers you all the time to browse and calmly enjoy this luminous island. This small tour of the north of the island leads you to the hamlets of Noirmoutiers-en-l’île. On a beautiful villa sheltered by tall pines or an alley of white houses, you may have a swim break on a beautiful sandy beach. After crossing the Herbaudière you go along salt marshes and return to your accommodation. In the evening why not enjoy a plate of oysters or mussels that come from the parks and mussel beds of the island?

Day 4

From NOIRMOUTIER EN L’ILE to ILE D’YEU 32km 63m Niveau Facile

You will reach the west coast by the salt marshes, make the most of the bike paths to cross the three other towns on the island. The Epine, Guérinière and Barbatre, have great beaches and a last swim is still possible before joining Fromentine and the mainland… You will embark immediately for the island of Yeu! Overnight on Port Joinville.
Attention: according to the tides, the schedules of the boats are very variable. Depending on the dates of your stay, we adapt the route to take into account the crossing times.

VIGILANCE: works on the cycle track of the Noirmoutier bridge. 3 solutions to make the crossing:

– ride on the shared lane limited to 50km/h ;

– push your bike on the pavement;

– go through the Gois passage if the tide allows it.

Boat crossing from Fromentine to Ile d'Yeu

By boat, you leave Fromentine in the direction of Port Joinville on the island of Yeu. This cruise is an opportunity to take another look at the Vendée coast and the islands that you discover by bike. The journey takes approximately 1 hour. Take the time to daydream while contemplating the immensity of the ocean. It’s not uncommon to see dolphins. Enough to spice up this pretty sea trip.
Gradually, the Ile d’Yeu takes shape. It is on this island with the untamed and indented coast that you continue your adventure by bike. Welcome to Port Joinville and enjoy your stay on the Ile d’Yeu!

  • For a few more km 60km 94m Niveau Forme

    If the sea is low, take advantage of it to go through the flood plain called passage du Gois.

Day 5

FROM ILE D'YEU, ILE D'YEU LOOP 30km 163m Niveau Facile

Today you will discover the sublime wild coast of the island! Its cliffs, the Old Castle and the Port de la Meule will be unforgettable!
At the western end of the island, ride to a magnificent outlook of the Chiens Perrins Reef and the Basse Flore stream. This day offers you the time for some good swims.

Day 6

From ILE D’YEU to BOUIN 27km 40m Niveau Facile

From the island of Yeu, a boat crossing takes you back to the mainland. This cruise is the occasion for a last tête-à-tête with the ocean before taking the road to Bouin.

Please note: depending on the tides, the boat timetables vary widely. Depending on the dates of your stay, we adapt the route to take into account the crossing times.

Day 7

BOUIN

End of the trip in Bouin after breakfast.

Comfort Range

Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.

Accommodation example
Hôtel Domaine le Martinet Hôtel du Bois de la Chaize Hôtel l'Escale

Starting from 765€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices

Essential Range

You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.


Quote on request | Contact us

Privilege Range

Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.


Quote on request | Contact us

Price includes

  • Accommodation: 6 nights in a Double room
  • 6 breakfasts
  • Luggage transfer
  • Phone assistance 24/7
  • Access to our exclusive travel application to follow your route, inform you about places of interest, restaurants, facilitate your assistance in case of emergency, find all your travel documents and our practical advice.
  • Application fee
  • Taxes
  • Two Way Boat transfer  for “Ile d’Yeu”
  • The itinerary trackable on the following supports:
    • Loan of a Bicycle GPS uploaded with full itinerary of the trip
    • Cycling practical guide including maps and restaurant recommendations for lunch & dinner
  • Specific services
    • Jour 1 : Orientation by phone
    • Jour 4 : Traversée maritime - FROMENTINE - ILE D’YEU
    • Jour 6 : Traversée maritime - ILE D’YEU - FROMENTINE
  • Price does not include

    • bike rental (see option)
    • Breakfast on day 1
    • Lunches
    • Dinners not included in "Price includes"
    • Drinks, visits & other personal expenses

    “Homemade” tours created and tested for you: :
    • Routes chosen  by the Abicyclette team for their touristic and cycling interest, fully tested, safe from traffic
    • Accommodations have been visited beforehand and are proposed for the quality of their reception, atmosphere, services and gastronomy
    • Great fl exibility for the organization of your tour which adapts to your needs and your desires: you leave on the date you wish! We check the availability of accommodations and to ensure your departure.
    Close assistance
    • One of our guides greets you by phone on your first day. He present you all the needed documents for the trip (hotel vouchers, maps of the area,GPS, practical guide)
    • Phone assistance, you can reach the Abicyclette team 7 days a week
    • A Luggage transfer service (one luggage and one bagback per person maximum)
    Modern and efficient route tracking:

    • We provide a GPS to follow the route without ever having to look for directions (bike mount provided)
    • A logbook to find all useful addresses and tourist information
    • IGN 1/100 000th maps included to get an overview of your route

    High-end bike rental for true comfort and riding pleasure, with the reliability needed for a long bike trip

    We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.


    Hiking Bike (woman)

    ARCADE ESCAPE

    28″ wheels
    Two frame sizes
    21 gears
    Aluminium frame
    Luggage rack

    The lightweight, practical and comfortable travel bike.

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • One luggage carrier bag (capacity 20L per bag)
    • Lock
    • A handlebar bag
    • A repair kit (pump, light tools, puncture kit)

    Hiking Bike (man)

    ARCADE ESCAPE

    28″ wheels
    Two frame sizes
    21 gears
    Aluminium frame
    Luggage rack

    The lightweight, practical and comfortable travel bike.

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • One luggage carrier bag (capacity 20L per bag)
    • Lock
    • A handlebar bag
    • A repair kit (pump, light tools, puncture kit)

    Ebike

    Several models of ebikes available with :

    28″ wheels
    At least 3 levels of assistance
    Minimum range of 50 km
    Maximum range 90-100 km
    7 gears at least
    Central motor in the bottom bracket
    Aluminium frame
    Luggage rack

    A great alternative to travel more kilometers a day and support your efforts.

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • One luggage carrier bag (capacity 20L per bag)
    • Lock
    • A handlebar bag
    • A repair kit (pump, light tools, puncture kit)

    Children Bike

    6 gears
    20″ or 24″ wheels
    Aluminium frame
    Mountain bike or Hybrid bike model

    Recommended for children from 6-7 years old for a maximum height of 145 cm.

     

     

     

    Follow me

    Intermediate solution
    No obligation to pedal for the child
    Attached to the saddle of a man or woman bike

    Recommended for children between 5 and 7 years old.

     

    Children trailer

    Two places
    Maximum charge : 40 kg
    Note: this model is not convertible into a stroller.

     

    Getting here

    Departure city : BOUIN

    Coming by car

    • at 4h30 from PARIS
    • at 3h30 from BORDEAUX
    • at 6h from LYON

    Coming by train

    • Nantes train station - 2h30 from Paris
    • Saint-Gille-Croix-de-Vie train station - 4h30 from Paris

    Coming by plane

    • Nantes airport

    Arrival city : BOUIN

    Coming by car

    • at 4h30 from PARIS
    • at 3h30 from BORDEAUX
    • at 6h from LYON

    Coming by train

    • Nantes train station - 2h30 from Paris
    • Saint-Gille-Croix-de-Vie train station - 4h30 from Paris

    Coming by plane

    • Nantes airport

    * Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.

    Recommended equipment

    Bike

    • Trekking or hybrid bike
    • 21 to 30 speeds
    • 26 or 28 inch (700) wheels

    Clothing and equipment

    • Helmet (included with the rental)
    • Clothing suitable for cycling
    • Warm jacket (eg fleece)
    • Rain proof jacket
    • 1 pair of sunglasses
    • 1 pair of cycling shoes
    • 1 small backpack or panniers
    • 1 or 2 water flasks (included with the rental)
    • 1 lock (included with the rental)
    • Our reccomendation for optimal comfort:
      • 1 pair of gloves
      • 1 special pair of pants (shammy leather)
      • 1 night see fluorescent vest

    Bike maintenance

    • Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
    • Daily use kit: cloth, brake pads, oil

    Other

    • Suitcase for transporting personal effects in luggage transfers (limited to one per person)
    • Change of clothes for the evening
    • Warm jacket for the evenings
    • Set of toiletries
    • Mobile phone and charger

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