Noirmoutier d Ile

28 July – 30 July
Noirmoutier d Ile
Arriving at Passage du Gois – it happened to be perfect timing. The water had subsided from the road which is usually totally submersed in sea water. Every day the tide goes out and hundreds of people travel to the little island. There are also the additional hundreds that leave their cars on the side of the road – or even some on the wet sand itself – to indulge in oysters, mussels and clam collecting.

It is amazing to see the tide go out and so many creatures being raked up by seafood lovers. We were in hope of finding a spot at Vendetta Camping (part of the Indigo camping group). Although the site has 600+ sites it is high season and this was where we wanted to stay. There are other sites, but this is on the beach and highly recommended.

As Nick returned to the car from Reception – I waited in suspense... We managed to get the last site, literally. With electrics for the max of 3 days. We would honestly have stayed for more if possible. Probably the best site this holiday. Not that I can remember them all – there has just been too many. A momentous thing happened - our attached tent went up for the first time. Just as well as it does get very windy in the afternoons. There is a fantastic little town centre an easy walk (or illegal bike ride away) on a jetty passage. Fresh food from the sea to collect or plenty from the fisheries in town. And cheap. We ate seafood like crazy. Oysters for 12 – something like 3 Euros 80 cents. A kilo of mussels just over 4 Euros. Otherwise you could always collect with the rest of the people raking them up at lowtide.


What an experience. What a campsite. Clean. Even had soap and toilet paper in the loo's – a rare pair. We had actually booked here once before – and cancelled as we were too lazy to move from Chateaulin on a previous trip (also awesome, also Britanny). This is a holiday place of note. A little opportunity to swim in the sea, whilst the rest of the day the tide is out. There are also sailing schools along a still coastline. Cycling routes if you look carefully. Shopping! And more.

If I had to type up a report of every day we were there, I am sure we would make you jealous. No need for gloating... but to end it off, every day was a good day.