In English

Pix Aurélie Coudière

Ile d’Yeu is a jewel of the Vendean coast. This enchanting island shows off its unique and wild landscapes according to the seasons, the tides… A particular light always embellishes its cliffs, dunes, moors and also its more hidden inland areas. Many painters came here to catch this amazing light… This little piece of paradise proudly bears its motto : “Light and shelter in the ocean” !

Its varied fauna and flora reflects a rich biodiversity ; it is as wonderful to discover its natural treasures as it is necessary to protect them. Yeu is a fascinating setting for botanists : at less 760 plant species have been listed here. Yeu is also a special stopover for the birdwatchers : more than 300 bird species have been observed on the island or off the coast. Let’s pick up some of the poetic names ot these incredible inhabitants : Sea pink, King’s sear, Sea stock, Sandwort, Early spider-orchid, Bladderwrack, Winckle, Herring gull, Sandwich tern, Ruddy turnstone, Meadow pipit, Dartford warbler…

When you leave the continent to go and arrive at Ile d’Yeu, you can be sure to discover beautiful salty treasures ! Once you have arrived, you will have some unique experiences on this marvellous little piece of rock… Let’s stroll along the quays of Port Joinville, let’s go whichever way the wind blows, walking or cycling on the wild coast or in the pine woods, let’s get lost along the coastline or inland, let’s feel the salt on your face, let’s be amazed by the sunny specks gilding the horizon, let’s get lulled by the birds'chorus or the waves song, let’s taste the fresh fish or shell-fish and the local pastries … Be ready to gentle leave your everyday life behind you and connect with the ocean ! Actually, it is impossible to resist the call of the sea ! Welcome to Ile d’Yeu :)

L’Ile d’Yeu a is really unmissable stopover for all lovers of true nature on the Atlantic coast !

Who am I ?

My name si Sandrine and I’ve been living on Ile d’Yeu since 2005. I have spent all my holidays here since I was born : I am very lucky to have experienced very early its wonderful treasures !

After studying in English and Italian, I worked as an export assistant for 10 years, mainly in Paris and in Western France. And then, I decided to change my life and I came to live here on Yeu. I was a seasonal worker in the bike renting business and then I worked for 7 years in a hotel in Port Joinville. Then, I was professionaly trained in sustainable tourism. Since 2014, I have been a tourist guide for the Heritage service of the town hall (from April to September). Concurrently, since 2016, I have created my own little independent business of Nature Guiding -L’Ile en bandoulière- in order to share my particular passion for the natural splendours of Yeu.

In fact, since I have been living here, I have developped a love for birds. I am a member of the LPO (French League for the Protection of Birds) and with a friend, we have created a LPO volunteer branch here in Yeu. I am also very active inside local environment associations which work on the sustainable development of the island, i.e. a better harmony between social, economic and natural interests of the island.

Yeu shelters an exceptional biodiversity but it is not a postcard, it is as fragile as it is beautiful ! Sharing its treasures during the high and the low seasons is for me a pleasure and also a necessity : understanding is the first step to protection !

So do come to Yeu and share nature outings with me !

In addition to my existing outings, I can escort you for half a day or a full day, walking or cycling. I would be happy to create a customised visit for you, according to your wishes.

Because sometimes it will be sunny, or a little bit rainy or windy, please make sure you have the right equipment : sunglasses, sun cream, sun hat, hiking shoes, rain coat and also water !. And if you have binoculars, do not forget to bring them too.

The outing lenght of the outing could vary slightly according to the walking or cycling pace of each group.

Minimum number of participants : 5

Maximum number of participants : 15 for bird outings and 20 for other outings

NATURE OUTINGS

"Route Pêche !"

Cycling outing. After explaining some fishing techniques used here on l'Ile d’Yeu, I will show you some of the sea birds we can see on the coastline or offshore.

Meeting point : Port Joinville, near the old wood fishing boat Le Corsaire. Duration : 2h30