The Passage du Gois on the island of Noirmoutier

Located in the Vendée department, the Passage du Gois is a submersible causeway connecting the island of Noirmoutier to the mainland. Today, for many tourists it is an essential stopover, as the reputation of the Passage de Gois extends beyond the Vendée borders. To this end, for your weekend getaways or stay in Noirmoutier (85), do not hesitate to take a tour of the town of Beauvoir-sur-Mer, from where you can take this passage from the mainland.

The Passage du Gois, a legendary road in Vendée

It is a mythical road between the island of Noirmoutier and the continent which sometimes appears, to disappear in a few minutes under the ocean. This is the phenomenon witnessed each year by thousands of tourists who come to admire the Passage du Gois. It is a real fascination that does not leave the locals and travelers indifferent.

4.125 km long and able to accommodate two vehicles simultaneously, it has been the subject of numerous tales, the most famous of which is that linked to Napoleon and the English. In addition, the vagaries of the ocean anecdotes about the dishonest people caught by the tide are plentiful.

A road conducive to many activities

At low tide, many activities are possible on the Passage du Gois. For lovers of shore fishing, this will be the opportunity to fish for clams or even shellfish. In addition, nature lovers can embark on exploring the area. To this end, many sites located on either side of the passage and near your Ile de Noirmoutier campsite offer real tourist attractions. We can cite for example:

  • The port of Bec
  • The Sébastopol Polder, a protected site classified as a Regional Nature Reserve;
  • The Saint Philibert church in Beauvoir-sur-Mer;
  • The Breton marsh
  • Isle de la Crosnière
  • etc…

When to spend Le Passage du Gois

As much as the Passage du Gois can be a source of admiration, it can be the object of all dangers. Indeed, as a submersible roadway, the Passage du Gois can only be used at low tide. It is advisable to follow the many safety rules in place to prevent tourists. However, by following the timetables, the passage of Gois is possible 1 hour 30 minutes before and 1 hour 30 minutes after low tide. And if you are surprised by the water, don’t hesitate to grab one of the 9 markers along the route.