Sol à Gogo
CAMPSITE NEAR NOIRMOUTIER ISLAND
IN VENDÉE
Just 50 minutes from our Vendée campsite, discover Ile aux Mimosas, the most Mediterranean of the Vendée islands! A mild, sunny microclimate, picture-postcard scenery, typical villages… reasons why the island of Noirmoutier has become a little paradise on Earth that appeals to campers who love stunning nature, holidaymakers who enjoy a laze not forgetting heritage and history buffs.
After hurtling down the department’s cycle paths, striding up and down the beaches and trying out new experiences, it’s time to hit the road for Ile aux Mimosas…
AN AUTHENTIC ISLAND FOR A
COUNTRYSIDE CAMPING HOLIDAY
With its 40km of beaches, the island of Noirmoutier is an ideal destination for water sports and seaside activities. Enjoy a swim off one of the stunning beaches, go sand yachting, kitesurfing or jet-skiing, or head off on a paddleboard or sea kayak outing. And that’s just for starters! Exploring the island of Noirmoutier during a camping holiday also means enjoying the abundant nature.
BARBÂTRE, AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE ISLAND OF NOIRMOUTIER
Once your crossing is complete, you’ll disembark at Barbâtre. You’ll then travel to the heart of unspoilt nature. Take a breather, and enjoy the fresh air and peace and quiet.
Enjoy a stroll through the island’s largest forest, which covers 145 hectares and is home to maritime pines, arbutus, holm oaks and wooded dunes. Unless you prefer to explore Polder de Sébastopol, a protected Regional Nature Reserve where numerous species of migratory birds nest.
LA GUÉRINIÈRE, FOR SOME FRESH SEA AIR IN NOIRMOUTIER
A sudden craving for the juicy, salty flavour of Noirmoutier oysters? Head for La Guérinière, in the centre of the island. Don’t miss the port of Le Bonhomme, the heart of the local oyster farming industry. It’s always fun to wander around the little fishermen’s huts. Here, the small huts along the streets have been converted into oyster tasting and sale outlets. What could be better than freshly harvested oysters?
A little further on, you’ll find salt workers working the land and harvesting salt, the marshland’s “white gold”. Guided tours of the salt works are held from June to September where you can learn about an age-old tradition that ensured the prosperity of the Pays du Gois for centuries.
LE BOIS DE LA CHAIS
AND THE FAMOUS PLAGE DES DAMES
Heading up towards the north-east of Noirmoutier-en-l’île, you’ll come to the Bois de la Chaise, much loved by holidaymakers for its surprisingly Mediterranean vegetation, sandy coves and pretty seaside villas dating back to the early 19th century.
Enjoy a dip at Plage des Dames, one of the island’s most popular beaches, with its picturesque white cabins and pier, once a maritime connection between Noirmoutier and Pornic.
HEAD OFF TO L'ÉPINE
This part of the island is the wildest. Between forests and salt marshes, you will discover exceptional landscapes. At the bend in the path, you may be lucky enough to see a salt worker harvesting the white gold of Noirmoutier. We invite you to take a walk in this small corner of the island before taking the road to Noirmoutier-en-l’Île.
STOPOVER IN THE PORT OF L'HERBAUDIÈRE
Another place, another ambience at the port of Herbaudière on the northern tip of the island. This is Noirmoutier’s main fishing port. Watch the boats, gill netters and trawlers return to the quayside with their holds full of pollack, sea bream, sole, sea bass and other shellfish to be sold the same day at the auction.
THE MOST URBAN PART OF THE ISLAND:
NOIRMOUTIER-EN-L'ÎLE
Enjoy a wander around the narrow streets of Noirmoutier. Its small white houses with blue shutters give the island a unique charm. You’ll love strolling down these steep, narrow streets, where you’ll find a wealth of craft shops selling their wares. It’s hard not to resist a pouch of Noirmoutier salt or a little sailor-style top…
As you turn down an alleyway, you’ll spot Noirmoutier Castle. This castle towers above the town centre. Inside, a museum traces the history of the fortress. At the top of the Keep, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the island.
Just a few metres from the centre of the island of Noirmoutier, you’ll find the Bois de la Chaize. It’s a superbbeach surrounded by maritime pines. Time to spread out your towel and take a mental photo of the day’s most incredible landscape.
EATING OUT IN NOIRMOUTIER
Is a rumbling tummy reminding you that it’s time for lunch? We’ve got it covered!
You’ll find restaurants of all kinds in Noirmoutier-en-l’île. If we have to recommend one, it would be le P’tit Noirmout. Refined cuisine using local, seasonal produce will keep your taste buds happy.
But if you prefer a more rural and authentic option, the island is full of superb places to set up a picnic. Lay out your picnic blanket and enjoy a meal with a splendid view.
HOW DO YOU REACH THE ISLAND OF NOIRMOUTIER?
There are two ways to get to the island of Noirmoutier from our campsite, whether on foot, by car or bike:
To get to the island of Noirmoutier, you can take the Noirmoutier bridge which links Fromentine (La Barre des Monts) to Barbâtre, to the south of the island of Noirmoutier. But for a more off-beat experience, you might like the second option.
At low tide you can cross the famous Passage du Gois, a 4km-long submersible causeway between Beauvoir-sur-Mer and Barbâtre. The tide has to be low because this causeway, the only one of its kind in Europe, is submerged at high tide. So be sure to check the tide timetables, as the causeway is only passable twice a day for a few hours. The risk? Finding yourself trapped by rising waters…
As you cross the cobbled Gois road, you might spot a few fishermen with their jeans rolled up to their knees. It’s a favourite spot for on-foot fishing. If you have time during your stay, we recommend you come back and give it a go – it’s a lovely relaxing activity. The island in front of you is getting bigger and bigger…
TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS
FOR YOUR VISIT
We recommend you to set off early in the morning so that you can enjoy all that this archipelago has to offer.
Don’t forget your gear:
- Bottle of water
- Cap/hat
- Picnic
- Shoes suited to walking
- Beach gear (towels, swimwear…)
BOOK YOUR CAMPSITE HOLIDAY
NEAR NOIRMOUTIER
Do you love discovering new things, even when on holiday?Fancy exploring new horizons?You won’t regret staying at the Sol à Gogo campsite!Its location makes it a great base for sightseeing.
Plan your camping holiday near Noirmoutier now by choosing your holiday rental in Vendée. At the 4-star Sol à Gogo campsite, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for among our comfy mobile homes and bare pitches for tents, camper vans and caravans.
On site, you’ll find a wide range of activities and entertainment for the whole family, as well as a water park with a heated covered swimming pool and waterslides. Little campers can learn to have fun in the water thanks to a paddling pool with a water play area. Our 4-star services will ensure you and your family enjoy a relaxing holiday: kids’ club, snack bar/bar, bike hire, Wi-Fi…
- The big plus: direct access to the beach from the campsite
DISCOVER THE VENDÉE REGION