Gourmet getaway city trip on Ile de Noirmoutier
A gourmet getaway on the French island of Noirmoutier, what a perfect idea! Here, you can sample some of the best oysters in France, delicious mussels, or world-famous potatoes …. a real treat for the taste buds! And of course, invigorating sea air, ideal for working up an appetite.
Spend a day on the Ile de Noirmoutier and discover the island of mimosas and its culinary specialities! With its mild climate, nourishing sea and fertile soil, the French island of Noirmoutier has everything it takes to grow quality products. The flavours found on the island offer a real pleasure for the senses: oysters, sea bass and sole, early potatoes and of course salt. Here you will find produce to sample from local producers, on market stalls or in the island’s shops.
Ile de Noirmoutier Gourmet getaway Follow the guide
Your day begins at the mythical Passage du Gois, where, as you stroll along the cobblestones, the water lapping now and then, the invigorating smells of the island mingle with each other. At high tide, it’s time to observe the “shellfish gatherers” in action.
Once you arrive on the island, drive through Ile de Noirmoutier until you come to the “Coopérative Agricole de Noirmoutier”. Here, the 40 “Noirmoutrins” (people born on the island) artisanal growers comply with specific regulations to preserve the quality of their products. They supply their produce to the cooperative and sell them to the public. A wide range of local seasonal products is available: different varieties of potatoes, courgettes, tomatoes, but also salt and “mogettes”.
The Petits Cagniote’s “French petit beurre biscuits” a delicious treat!
Located at the roundabout leading to Noirmoutier, Les Petits Cagniotes is the next stop. Here you can sample some of their flagship products: caramel shortbread and hazelnut crunches. You will also find caramel spreads, cookies and “French petit beurre biscuits". Workshop visits are possible, prior booking is required.
Fleur de sel from ile de Noirmoutier– pure white gold !
The Coopérative du sel Aquasel (Aquasel salt cooperative) is located next to the biscuit factory. They prepare and sell the famous “fleur du sel, from ile de Noirmoutier". During the harvesting period, tours of the salt marshes accompanied by the sauniers (salt workers) are organised.
At lunchtime, the oyster bar “La Perle” is an address not to be missed in L’Épine, route de Noirmoutier. Here you can enjoy some of the best oysters in France, as well as other shellfish, fresh from the fish farming tanks. They also prepare take-away seafood platters.
Then, head for the Jacobsen jetty at the end of the harbour and admire the view over the Müllembourg salt marshes. From here, follow the footpath along the “Sableaux” beaches until you reach the famous Plage des Dames.
Tasty specialities signed Alexandre Couillon
Finally, to end the day, head to the tip of the island, where you’ll find the fishing port of l’Herbaudiere. Enjoy the last few rays of sunshine with a relaxing drink on the harbour terrace. But be sure not to leave Noirmoutier before tasting the island’s distinctive “mussels and potatoes” or visit La Marine restaurant run by Alexandre Couillon, a renowned Michelin starred chef.