What to do on Yeu island

Visit Yeu Island in a day

Yeu Island is the most remote island on the Atlantic coast. With a surface area of 23 km2, the island is around 10 km long and 3.7 km wide. You’ll need to travel 40 km to get around it.

When you arrive on the island, hire a bike, stop off at the market for a picnic and go on 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 have a little time left before setting off again, take the opportunity to wander through the narrow streets of Port Joinville, the island’s main village with its typical architecture.

Some of the most beautiful places on Yeu Island to visit:

• Port Joinville: the fishing and yachting harbour, pretty streets and small shops
• La Citadelle (Fort de Pierre Levée): a 19th-century military fortress
• Le Grand Phare: rebuilt in 1948 in Art Deco style by Vendée architect Maurice Durand (open from April to September)
• Le Vieux Château: 14th-century fortified castle said to have inspired the creator of Tintin’s album “L’île noire” (“The Black Island”).
• Saint Sauveur: a typical village with traditional houses grouped around its Romanesque church.