The Vendée Islands by bike
Coasting the island of Yeu and the island of Noirmoutier
© Alexandre Lamoureux - Vendée Expansion
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.
Easy or 
Leisure From BOUIN to NOIRMOUTIER EN L'ILE 34km 33m 
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.
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 87m
If the sea is high, you will continue your cycling trip on the bridge that connects the island to the mainland since 1971.
FROM NOIRMOUTIER EN L'ILE, NOIRMOUTIER EN L'ILE LOOP 18km 39m
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?
From NOIRMOUTIER EN L’ILE to ILE D’YEU 32km 63m
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
If the sea is low, take advantage of it to go through the flood plain called passage du Gois.
FROM ILE D'YEU, ILE D'YEU LOOP 30km 163m
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.
From ILE D’YEU to BOUIN 27km 40m
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.
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.
Starting from 895€/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
- Day 1 : Welcome briefing by telephone with our team on the day of your arrival.
- Day 4 : Sea crossing - FROMENTINE - ILE D’YEU
- Day 6 : Sea crossing - 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.
Our rentals include a "breakage and theft guarantee" for peace of mind when travelling. Information and details from your advisor.
Touring Bike (woman)ARCADE ESCAPE 28″ wheels The lightweight, practical and comfortable travel bike. Supplied equipment per bike
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Touring Bike (man)ARCADE ESCAPE 28″ wheels The lightweight, practical and comfortable travel bike. Supplied equipment per bike
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EbikeSeveral models of ebikes available with : 28″ wheels A great alternative to travel more kilometers a day and support your efforts. Supplied equipment per bike
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Children Bike6 gears Recommended for children from 6-7 years old for a maximum height of 145 cm.
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Follow meIntermediate solution Recommended for children between 5 and 7 years old.
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Children trailerTwo places
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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
*Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.
* Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.
Recommended equipment
Bike
- Hybrid Bike or Touring Bike or Gravel Bike
- 18 to 30-speed transmission
- 26- to 29-inch wheels
- Tires: 35 to 42 section, reinforced against punctures
- Disc brakes recommended
- 2 bottle cages
- Bell
- Front and rear lighting
Clothing and equipment
- Helmet (supplied with bike rental unless otherwise specified locally)
- 1 bike mount for smartphone to use the mobile route planner application
- Suitable cycling clothing:
- bib, shorts or tights: elastic and breathable, to facilitate movement and wick away perspiration
- Breathable T-shirts, synthetic or merino wool
- Breathable windbreaker
- Thermal or fleece jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- 1 pair of cycling shoes
- 1 backpack or 1 or 2 carrier bags
- 1 or 2 water bottles (supplied with bike rental in France)
- 1 lock (supplied with bike rental)
- Technical details, recommended by the team for optimum comfort:
- 1 pair of gloves or mittens, depending on season and destination
- Padded bib (chamois)
- High-visibility vest or fluorescent belt
- Neck warmer and cap
Bike maintenance
- Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
- Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads
Other
- A suitcase for your belongings carried in the vehicle (limited to one per person)
- Street clothes
- 1 pair of evening shoes
- Fleece jacket for the evening
- Toiletry bag
- Telephone and charger
Terms of payment and cancellation
The full terms and conditions of sale are available here: https://www.abicyclette-voyages.com/conditions-generales-de-vente/
Booking and payment
- Departure more than 30 days before your booking: payment of a deposit of 30%, excluding insurance, at the time of booking. If you have taken out travel insurance, it must be paid in full at the time of booking to guarantee its validity.
- Departure within 30 days of your booking: payment of the total cost of your stay. Or payment of the balance of the holiday if you have already paid a deposit.
Cancellation of the Contract
You may cancel the Contract at any time before the start of the Tour, subject to payment of a cancellation fee. Any total or partial cancellation will incur the following costs per participant:
| Cancellation period | Fees |
| From the date of Booking to 60 days or more before departure or the 1st day of the programme | 5% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 100 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Between 59 and 30 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 10% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 120 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer
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| Between 29 and 10 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 30% of the total amount of the Tour (including options) a minimum of 150 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Entre 9 à 7 jours avant le départ ou le 1er jour du programme | 45% du montant total du Voyage (options incluses) |
| Between 9 and 7 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 75% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| Less than 3 days to the day of departure or the 1st day of the programme | 100% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| No show on day of departure or 1st day of programme |
Duration 7 days and 6 nights
Level Easy ou Leisure
Departure date From April 1st to October 31st
Destination Atlantic Coast
See detailed prices
Personalized service 
BOUIN
Arrive in Bouin at your convenience. Check-in at your accomodation.
Orientation by phone with us
On receipt of your travel documents (and bikes if you have opted for rental), we take the time to talk to you over the phone to explain all the important points and answer any questions you may have.