Skip to content

Cart

Your cart is empty

Article: L'Ile d'Yeu - the French island paradise

L'Ile d'Yeu - the French island paradise

L'Ile d'Yeu - the French island paradise

Port Joinville

The next time you are planning a trip to Paris and are searching for a place where the French holiday - L'île d'Yeu is well worth the visit. For couples and families alike there is plenty to do here. 

 The winding streets of Saint Sauveur

A week on this island is a good amount of time to get a feel for the charming way of life in the ancient fishing villages that are dotted around the island. 

Port Joinville

This is where Parisians go for their summer holidays and long weekends and it is a popular place for holiday homes. Famous for fishing tuna and lobster, the seafood is to die for.

How to get here

Two ferries operate daily from Port Fromentine and Saint Gilles Croix de Vie. The fast ferry takes just half an hour, the large ferry takes one and a half hours. Charter planes and helicopters are also available, for maps and timetables check the Island website.

The island 

Hollyhocks line the pretty streets of L'Ile d'Yeu
Eight kilometers by ten kilometers, this island paradise in the Atlantic is the perfect size to be able to explore everything in a week. Beaches, villages and the harbor are accessible by a myriad of beautiful bike tracks. The best way to see the island is by push bike - it is flat and there are few cars. 

Port Joinville and Port de la Meule

Port Joinville

Arriving in the stunning ancient port you immediately notice the distinctive white buildings with blue shutters and terracotta roof tiles.

Port de la Meule

There is another tiny port, port de la Meule which is rocky and sheltered. There is a fabulous restaurant if you want to while away an afternoon watching the fishing boats bobbing in the quaint harbor and the enormous gulls diving for fish.

Port de la Meule - wild flowers, water and fishing boats

Port Jointville

Lively bars, crêperies and restaurants line the port. Looking through a forest of masts to the ferry this is a quaint village. The few cars on the island are generally vintage deux cheveux Citroens and mokes. 

Vintage car in Jointville

Saint Sauveur

You could think you are in Greece as you explore the winding streets of Saint Sauver, with bright white homes and blue shutters. Gardens in Saint Sauveur

The gardens are breathtaking, hollyhocks and hydrangeas thrive in this mild climate. The Roman church is the highest point on the island and is a stunning landmark.

Saint Sauveur

 

The Markets

Saint Sauveur market

Saint Sauveur market

Agapanthus at the market

There are two markets daily, one in Port Joinville and the other at Saint Sauver. Fresh local produce, including the juiciest raspberries, locally made preserves, charcuterie, olives, divine fresh bread, crepes and coffee, and why not a glass of rosé in the sweet wine bar! 

The Beaches

The island boasts a huge amount of varied beaches, for sunrise, sunset, sun baking and swimming. It is obligatory to spend time on the water, whether you're fishing, diving, sailing or kayaking, or even horse riding!

Sandy beaches

 

Related Posts:

Introducing élément terre - bespoke French pottery handmade in Gigondas, Provence

Bespoke white washed coffee cups handmade in France

Luxury in the Loire Valley - Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé

L'art de vivre - make every day beautiful

Create Brooke and Steve Giannetti's patina style

Patina Farm interior design ideas modern farmhouse decor buy direct from France

The most beautiful French Gardens - Dominique Lafourcade

Beautiful classic French Provincial gardens by Dominique Lafourcade

 The Biot Jar; An Ancient French Tradition

French olive pot biot jar bespoke pottery 

 

1 comment

Appreciation to my father who shared with me concerning this webpage, this blog is genuinely amazing.

http://canadianorderpharmacy.com/

Leave a comment

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

All comments are moderated before being published.

Read more

Introducing The Perrine Ebermann collection

Introducing The Perrine Ebermann collection

Perrine Ebermann's atelier is in a most inspiring rural setting. Forests, rivers and mountains among endless fields of intoxicating lavender surround her studio and ancient hamlet. Perrine works sk...

Read more
Introducing élément terre - bespoke French pottery

Introducing élément terre - bespoke French pottery

We are thrilled to introduce our exquisite collection of French hand crafted pottery. You will find these pieces truly inspiring - bringing a flavour of the South of France to your home.   Gigond...

Read more