L'Île-d'Yeu

L'Île-d'Yeu is a commune on an island off the coast of Vendée in the Atlantic, part of the arrondissement of Les Sables-d'Olonne. The island reaches about 10 kilometers in length and 4 kilometers in width, with two harbors: Port-Joinville in the north and Port de la Meule in the south.

Monks from Ireland founded the first monastery here in the early Middle Ages, dedicating it to Saint Hilaire. In the 14th century, the Vieux Château was built on a rocky headland to defend against attacks from the sea.

The island's name derives from its elongated shape, which in dialect recalls the word for yoke used to harness oxen in the fields. Local fishermen still moor their boats along the stone quays of Port-Joinville, where the morning catch arrives before sunrise.

Ferries operate regularly from Fromentine or Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie and reach the island in 30 to 35 minutes. Bicycles work well for exploring the terrain, as roads are manageable and distances remain short.

Dolmens and menhirs from the Neolithic period stand scattered across the island, evidence of settlement thousands of years ago. The Harmon'Yeu program links residential solar panels into a shared grid, promoting renewable energy locally.

Location: Vendée

Location: arrondissement of Les Sables-d'Olonne

Elevation above the sea: 17 m

Phone: +33251594545

Email: mairie@ile-yeu.fr

Website: https://mairie.ile-yeu.fr

GPS coordinates: 46.72417,-2.34833

Latest update: December 13, 2025 16:23