Europe > France > Noirmoutier: Weather, Climate and Travel Guide

French island of Vendée, it is attached to the continent by a bridge since 1971, and measures 18 km of length and 12km in its widest part. Noirmoutier counts a little less than 10 000 inhabitants and benefits from a very mild climate which makes it nicknamed sometimes "the island with the mimosas". The traveler will find several very pleasant sites to visit on the island: he will be able to cross the Gois, submersible road which was for a long time the only access to the island, and which remains impressive; Beautiful walks are offered to you along the large sandy beaches along the dunes, or on the rocks to the north, or in the forests of holm oaks and the salt marshes inside the island; Several monuments testify to a hectic history, like the 9th century castle, very well preserved, and today houses a museum, or, nearby, the Saint-Philbert church built in the 11th century and combining Gothic and Romanesque styles. Also worth seeing is the Sealand Aquarium; The artisanal soap factory and its shop-shop located at the Guérinière; The island of butterflies in the same place, with specimens evolving freely among tropical flowers; The house of craftsmanship. For an original discovery of the place, embark aboard the Hippobus, pulled by two percherons that will take you to the salt marshes, or take the Noirmout'train for a guided tour of the island's landscapes, its history and Its activities, through different circuits. It is accessed Noirmoutier by road from Nantes, either by the bridge from Fromentine to arrive at Barbâtre, or by the passage of the Gois at the departure of Beauvoir-sur-Mer and only at low tide. Buses run between Nantes and Noirmoutier railway station on line 13. On the island there are free shuttles between the town center and the beaches, as well as buses that connect the various municipalities, Taxis, and car rentals. Getting around by bike is also an interesting option thanks to the 80 km of bike paths.