Our first trip to Ile de Noirmoutier and we haven't been disappointed. A real mixture of weather. Heat wave, temperatures up in the 30's, rain, winds, everything really, just like at home.You get to the island via a bridge, or if you are relly brave a tidal causeway.
The campsite Les Roussieres is at the north end of the island, which is much quieter and less touristy. A really handy spot just a short walk to the large beach across an interesting plastic floating bridge.
When we arrived we were given a few pitches to look at. As it was very hot we went for part shade, under a few trees but very private.
We loved the spot. The pigeons loved pooing on the van!! We persevered for a week, Den fought pigeon poo, we then moved to a more open pitch.
The beach is unspoilt, goes out a long way and is pretty uncrowded.
Not bad for the second week in June.
The campsite was not busy and although we had booked in advance there was no need at this time of the year. There is a small bread shop open until 11am and a bar restaurant open evenings Wednesday to Sunday. The toilet facilities are immaculate and very clean with loads of hot water.
A 40 minute amble takes you to the main town Noirmoutier. Loads of shops bars and restaurants. 30 minutes in the opposite direction, takes you to the village of La Vielle where there is a supermarket, bar and small tabac.
Noirmoutier is a haven for cyclists and there are bike paths everywhere around the island. A thirty minute walks takes about 6 mins on the bike so well worth taking them.
We did a few rides, one to the top end of the island to the port of L'Herbaudiere. A small interesting port. We did a few more on the very empty back lanes on some very hot days, till the wind set in..... no we weren't really lost!!
Of course, this area is famed for shell fish so fish shops are everywhere. We didn't try mussels here because apparently you should only eat them July to September! ( You live and learn) If we were French, we may have gone digging for them. If the shell fish are under a certain size you have to put them back. A whole page devoted to "Peche a Pied" ( Fishing on foot) in the campsite info.
Loads of holiday homes on the island. I guess in July and August it will be quite busy.
The port at L'Herbaudiere.
All in all, we have whiled away almost two weeks here. Noirmoutier is somewhere we will definitely return to.
Time to move on soon and our next stop Ile de Re. Should make a great contrast!
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