With a surface area of 23 square kilometres, L'île d’Yeu is just the right size for cycling or mountain biking.
The bike is part of what we call 'soft mobility' on the Island. You'll easily find the tourist office and lots of bike rental companies on the port upon your arrival, and all will be delighted to help you discover L'île d’Yeu by bike.
Ride your bike to the beach, Port-Joinville or the market at Saint-Sauveur in high season. Visit the Grand Phare lighthouse or the Vieux Chateau, enjoy a break at the Port de la Meule, or admire the sunset at the Pointe du But, beautiful whatever the season!
Bicycle routes are not marked-out, but the signposts, perfectly integrated with the environment, show you all the main directions as you go.
Why not challenge yourself to a complete tour of the island or, if you're feeling less athletic, take one of the shorter loops.
BIKE RIDES
Cycling right around the island
The full tour of the island covers a distance of about 28 km. It takes around 4 hours 30, breaks included.
Cycling on the island is a guarantee of a full and fascinating day out! An ideal place to start is the Pointe du But, exposed to the swell of the Atlantic. To the south, the cliffs of the wild coast punctuate the landscape, alternating between rocky outcrops and secret coves.
The section from Pointe des Corbeaux to Port-Joinville is marked by the contrast between the rocky coast to the south and the dunes along the beaches of the north-east coast, reminiscent of the nearby Vendée coastline.
A full tour of the island will give you a chance to see all the main sights.
A shorter bike tour idea
The section between the two ports is about 14 km long and takes about 2 hours 30. It's ideal to if you're only on the island for the day.
Discover the citadel, surrounded by its forest, a classified natural area with lots of small side roads to allow you to contemplate the interior of the Ile d’Yeu. Pass the Vieux Chateau overlooking the rocky coast, visit the small port of La Meule and its romantic chapel. Returning to Port-Joinville, enjoy a stop in the typical village of Saint-Sauveur to discover the medieval frescoes of the eleventh century church.
