On Noirmoutier, L’Épine brings together a wide variety of discoveries: at Port de Morin, explore the modern marina and the tides; in the salt marshes, learn about harvesting and processing; and in the Bois des Eloux, follow trails through dunes, marshland and woodland. There is also a painting in the church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste-de-l’Épine and water sports at Les Perles. The aspect of the village that interests you most can shape the focus of your stay: the harbor and water sports, salt production, nature or culture.
Harbor and water sports
Port de Morin is in L’Épine on the island’s west coast and is a modern marina. It can accommodate 850 boats and dries out at the lowest tide. The tides are therefore a notable feature of the harbor. Port de Morin is also a good starting point for deep-sea fishing and spearfishing.
Other water sports take center stage at Les Perles. Les Perles are hidden ponds near Pointe du Devin and the salt marshes of L’Épine on the island of Noirmoutier. There, a sheltered learning area gives children the chance to try Optimist sailing, stand-up paddleboarding and windsurfing. The harbor and ponds thus offer different water activities: fishing and spearfishing at Port de Morin, and the three activities for children at Les Perles.
Salt harvesting and salt marshes
At Le Sel de Ronan, free guided tours explain every step of traditional salt harvesting—from preparing the ponds to producing coarse salt and fleur de sel. The tours are offered seasonally. When the weather and season allow, visitors can also watch the fleur de sel harvest. Le Sel de Ronan sells samphire, plain and flavored coarse salt, plain and flavored fleur de sel, and fine salt on site; product availability may vary.
From February to November, Marais salant Bonne Pogne sells salt, fleur de sel, flavored salt and flavored fleur de sel, as well as gift items, directly from its salorge (salt hut). When weather conditions are suitable, free explanations are offered there at 4 p.m. from June to September, right at the edge of the salt marshes. The two experiences differ in format: Le Sel de Ronan focuses on the individual steps of harvesting, while at Bonne Pogne the explanations are tied to a specific season, time and weather condition.
Walking trail and Atlantic views
The Bois des Eloux is a classified site between L’Épine and La Guérinière. A waymarked hiking trail, marked in yellow, runs through the area and crosses dunes, marshland and woodland. The landscape is therefore not limited to a single type of terrain: the trail passes through several distinct natural environments.
The highest points on the island are also in the Bois des Eloux; they are about 23 meters high. They include Pé de l’Herse in La Guérinière, which offers panoramic views over the Atlantic. The marked trail describes a route through different landscapes, while Pé de l’Herse offers views across the ocean.
Church and lanes of L’Épine
The church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste-de-l’Épine houses a 1672 painting of the Adoration of the Magi, inspired by Rubens. Near the main entrance, a display case contains historic religious objects: two chalices with patens, a ciborium, a monstrance, a processional cross, a reliquary cross, a chasuble, a lectern and a box for the holy oils. The painting and display case offer different glimpses of the village’s religious heritage—a dated work of art and a selection of historic objects.
The Chemin de mer et de marais trail also ends in L’Épine: the final part includes a visit to the village and its very characteristic lanes. The character of the village is therefore among the discoveries described, alongside the harbor, salt marshes and landscape.
Discover more destinations: Landevieille, Bouillé-Courdault, La Chapelle-Palluau, Bournezeau, Saint-Mars-la-Réorthe, Le Boupère, Sainte-Cécile, La Faute-Sur-Mer
For the broader travel overview: Vendée.
