We went into the islands off the continental France , hugely popular and lovely; it was like been born again for me! I like to update this posts from 2017 with links,text using same pictures. Therefore, here is my take on you know the Vendée, Noirmoutier island, part VI !!! Hope you enjoy it as much as I.
Moving right alone on the trip to Noirmoutier island in the Vendée dept 85 of the Pays de la Loire region; this is part 6 of the series. Today, I will show you briefs on the religious monuments of the city of Noirmoutier ,itself full of history. This is the end of this story! There are several posts on the island and a lot more pictures in my blog.
You can meander thru the little tight streets with a beach scent of the island and its white houses, colorful merchants and restaurants of all sorts but especially ,the sea. The season actually starts in April, and on the first day it was already packed. Talking with locals , we were told to rent in summer you need about a year in advance to get the best properties; it is very sought after here.
While walking alone the dam or digue out into the harbor and the salt and oyster beds we saw a small bell cross pointed within the houses towards town. We walk further towards it and found on a private road but accessible by the public a small Chapel right between the private homes. This is the Chapelle Notre Dame de la Pitié.(see post). The soldiers were taken prisoner in the Church St Philbert (see post) and taken here in groups of about 60 to be executed in what was a garbage dump place. Most of the soldiers were buried in the sand dunes around it.
Just going over to the town, it was that time to finally eat something hot so we passed by the picturesque square or place Saint Louis of many restos and we just pick by chance the Le Blé Noir II at 14 Place Saint Louis. Very friendly, and the waiter had lived in New York and London, so nice expat conversation indeed lol! Michel was a great topic of conversation and the food price/quality was excellent, the bill came to 25,50€ per person including 8 beers Licorne, 2 diabolo menthe drink, one galette chevrette or goat galette and one galette anglaise or English galette with bacon egg and fresh cream, 3 menus of entrée of fish soup, main dish Hake fish in a white sauce with shrimps, and two scoops of ice cream. Just lovely and a fair price for a chic upper island vacation spot!! We are reflected on the window! Their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Le-Bl%C3%A9-Noir-II-328855830658053/
We continue our walks into the main Church in town, that of one its founders Saint Philbert; a great travelers born in the Gers around 616; he became a monk at the age of 20. After many bad adventures and even prison he ends up here to found a monastery. He encouraged the cultivation of salt and creates dams to protect the harbor. He died in 685 and his body was placed in the crypt of the Church for several centuries. It now only remained a phalanx in a ossuary in the crypt of the Church ; that now bears his name as many other buildings in the island.
The Ïle de Noirmoutier city on tourism do and see: https://www.ile-noirmoutier.com/en/noirmoutier-en-lile-historical-center.html
The Vendée dept 85 on Noirmoutier island : http://www.vendee-tourism.co.uk/en/discover/nature-and-countryside/noirmoutier-island/
There you go folks, just across from the castle and we found free parking right in front of the Church. Enjoy Noirmoutier another jewel in my belle France! Again, hope you enjoy this post on you know the Vendée, Noirmoutier island, part VI !!! as I
And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 