What to do on Yeu Island
Just 18 km off the coast, Yeu Island is just a 30-minute boat ride from the mainland. And yet, the island furthest from the mainland – after Corsica – feels like the end of the world. Between beaches, wild coastline and sites steeped in history, here are our suggestions for a day trip to Yeu Island.
Visit Yeu Island in a day
Ile d’Yeu is the most remote island on the Atlantic coast. With a surface area of 23 km2, the island is approximately 10 km long and 3.7 km wide. You’ll need to travel 40 km to get around it.
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When you arrive on the island, rent a bike, stop off at the market for a picnic and take a day trip to discover the wild coastline, the old castle, the port de la meule, the citadel…
Take a moment to swim in one of the magnificent turquoise coves. If you still have a little time left before setting off, take the opportunity to stroll through the narrow streets of Port Joinville, the island’s main village with its typical architecture.
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Among the most beautiful places to visit on Yeu Island :
- Port Joinville: the fishing and yachting harbour, pretty streets and small shops
- La Citadelle (Fort de Pierre Levée): 19th-century military fortress
- Le Grand Phare: rebuilt in 1948 in Art Deco style by Vendée architect Maurice Durand (open April to September).
- Le Vieux Château: a 14th-century fortified castle said to have inspired Tintin’s “Black Island” album.
- Saint Sauveur: typical village with traditional houses grouped around its Romanesque church.
Getting to Yeu Island
Several shipping companies operate daily services to Yeu Island:
- Departure from Fromentine / La Barre-de-Monts ferry terminal (35 min) – Compagnie Yeu Continent
- Leaving from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie pier (1 hour) –
Compagnie Vendéenne
