L'Île-d'Yeu, Island commune in Vendée, France
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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.
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Fort de Pierre-Levée
126 m
Vieux-château de l'Île d'Yeu
3.2 km
Île d'Yeu lighthouse
2.7 kmHistorial Museum of Île-d'Yeu
225 mPointe des Corbeaux lighthouse
6.2 km
Planche à Puare
3.2 km
Dolmen des Petits Fradets
2.5 kmMenhir du Sud (L'Île-d'Yeu)
4 kmDolmen des Landes
3.1 kmDolmen de la Guette
3.4 km
Allée couverte des Tabernaudes
2.7 kmMégalithes de Barbe
2.9 km
Tomb of Philippe Pétain
552 m
Plage de ker Daniau
3.3 km
Notre-Dame-de-Bonne-Nouvelle de la Meule
3.4 km
Église Saint-Sauveur de Saint-Sauveur
2.4 km
Chapelle du Père-de-Montfort de Ker-Châlon
1.3 km
Église Notre-Dame-du-Port de Port-Joinville
167 m
Île d'Yeu lighthouse
2.7 km
Pierre Tremblante
3.8 km
Port-Joinville rear range light
123 m
Plage de la Grande Conche
5.5 km
Anse et Plage du Cours du Moulin
1.1 kmRedoubte Romaine de l'Île-d'Yeu
3.4 kmDolmen de la Guette
3.4 km
Pierre des Quatre-Chemins
1.4 km
Plage des Sables Rouillés (ou Rouits)
3.3 km
Plage des Roses
1.4 kmReal people, real opinions — but not verified.
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Beautiful island in Vendée quite isolated from the mainland and therefore calmer in high season than others. Many places to discover on-site for a refreshing holiday!
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