Atlantic Islands
Belle-Île, Noirmoutier, Oléron, Ré: pearls of the French Atlantic coast.
Ten days of island-hopping along the Atlantic seaboard, from Brittany to Charente. The route links six gems reached by boat: Groix and its golden-sand beaches, Belle-Île-en-Mer and the needles of Port-Coton, Noirmoutier with its tidal Gois causeway, the Île d'Yeu, the Île de Ré by bike and the Île d'Oléron. Each has its own pace, its salt marshes, harbours and coastal paths. This is a journey to savour slowly, around crossings and tides. Book ferries and lodgings well ahead in summer — places are limited — and bring a bike, king of most of these islands. Best from May to September.
Practical info
- Stops
- 6
- Duration
- 10 days
- Transport
- 🚗 Car
- Distance
- ≈ 280 km
- Best time
- May to September
Itinerary
- 1
Île de Groix
Plage convexe unique en Europe, réserve géologique.
- 2
Belle-Île-en-Mer
Aiguilles de Port-Coton peintes par Monet, citadelle Vauban.
- 3
Île de Noirmoutier
Passage du Gois submersible, mimosas et pommes de terre primeur.
- 4
Île d'Yeu
Côte sauvage, château médiéval et port de pêche au thon.
- 5
Île de Ré
Marais salants, villages blancs et pistes cyclables.
- 6
Île d'Oléron
Plus grande île de la côte atlantique, huîtres et phare.
