Europe’s Hidden Gem: Ile d’Yeu’s Rugged Coast and Rich History | kbnmart

reading time: 2 minutes

Île d’Yeu, a small continental island off the coast of the Pays de Loire, has been fascinating visitors for centuries. This charming island, just 10 km long and home to 5,000 inhabitants, is often compared to a “mini Mallorca” but without the huge crowds of tourists.

Renowned for its untouched, rugged coastline reminiscent of the Celtic landscape of Scotland, and its rich prehistoric cultural heritage, Île d’Yeu offers a unique and tranquil setting. The island is part of the Association of the Private Islands of Ponant (AIP), which includes 15 inhabited islands on the Atlantic coast and the French Channels. The association works to promote economic, cultural and tourism development while ensuring the preservation of lands conducive to active and attractive island communities.

Getting to Yu Island This island is a fun adventure. Located 17 km from the coast, it can be reached by ferry from Fromentin, Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, or Noirmoutier, or by air via helicopter or plane. The Fromentin-Port-Joinville ferry operates year-round, with additional ferries from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie (April to September) and Barbatre, Noirmoutier (July and August).

Port-Joinville Krabi Island is the main entry point, where visitors are greeted by a picturesque marina filled with fishing boats and traditional whitewashed houses. The island’s vibrant centre features colourful stalls and a variety of restaurants serving traditional dishes. Don’t miss trying patagos, a dish of shellfish served in a rich creamy sauce of parsley and garlic, or a traditional plum pie known as tarte au bruno.

Nature and Activities Wildlife abounds on the island of Yeo. Enjoy a leisurely stroll by the sea, on the beach or along the many country paths. Visit Le Vieux Château, a 14th-century fort offering stunning views and a glimpse into the island’s preserved history. Nature lovers will enjoy the island’s perfectly preserved environment, home to over 760 species of wild plants and stunning floral displays throughout the year.

The island’s coastal areas, wetlands and orchards are home to around 290 species of birds. If you time your visit right, you may even spot penguins on the coast in August. Yeu also boasts thirty beaches, offering a wonderful array of coves and wide sandy stretches. The western and southern parts of the island are ideal for exploring the coves and coastal creeks, with Plage des Soux and Anse des Fontaines particularly popular.

For beach loversThe long sandy beaches on the north-east coast, between the salt marshes and the Cayres Chalons, are ideal for swimming and water sports due to the shallow waters, lack of currents, and warmer sea temperatures.