Friday, April 15, 2011

Island of Yeu

L'Ile d'Yeu is a pleasant little island to visit, and can be done in several ways. Here are a few.

Insula Oya is its Latin name. Name a singing, poetry that invites you to relax and rest. This small island of 23 km2, located 18 km from the Vendée coast, is a landscape and culture. Housing a population of 5000 inhabitants, preserves the entire island of Ile d'Yeu whirlwind summer on the Atlantic coast and brings a lot of authenticity to their lifestyle.

An authentic life by the sea
In full season, at 8 o'clock in the morning that the fishing boats unload their holds full of fresh fish. We negotiate the price of the bar or place directly with the fisherman, then we will settle on the terrace of a cafe to enjoy the freshness of the morning, facing the harbor, including the wonderful sound of seagulls boiling pace the comings and from boats in bright colors.

The architectural uniformity is clearly visible. These small white houses with colorful shutters are the work of very strict measures in urban planning. The architectural unity gives the island of Yeu undeniable charm, where one would discover what lies beneath these tile roofs.

The island of Yeu is lived at its own pace, on pain of feeling displaced and friendliness of the inhabitants, known as the "Islais" can focus very quickly to the place.

An island inspired the artistic perspective
Painters venture there for the warmth of light and landscape diversity. The shape resembles the west coast of Brittany, and is the main beaches of golden sand. Often, it's windy as the artists they venture outside, when waves crushing on the wild side, even at the risk of receiving a few drops on the canvas. Many exhibitions are held on the island to showcase the work of many artists who are constantly renewed reading the landscape and culture "Islais.

The island of Yeu even inspired writers: Amin Maalouf, a famous Lebanese writer, alternating between Paris and his residence on the island of Yeu to devote himself to writing his novels.


By bicycle or on foot, choose non-motorized
If the car can be transported from the mainland, the Isle of Yeu is best explored on foot or bike without problems. With its 4 km wide and 10 km long, the pearl of the Atlantic maximum diversified landscapes, from wide sandy beaches to the rugged coast, facing the ocean. The interior is typical of island systems, has a dense bushy vegetation cut by roads passable by bike or on foot. The City Council has recently installed a bike path to go around the island and explore the different neighborhoods full of charm.

A unique cultural and natural heritage
The "Old Castle" that inspired Hergé, author of Tintin in the Black Isle, is a former stronghold of the fourteenth century to protect the west coast of the island of barbarian invasions during the 100 years war. Historic monument since 1890, the castle can be visited with a guide. The village of Saint Sauveur, rises to 58m above sea level and hosts the first church on the island, dating from the eleventh century. The monument is a historical monument since 1906.

The special ecological Ile d'Yeu is this divide between the dune and the coast to the Breton character, which brings a special richness to the environment. There are including more than 760 plants, 16 species of orchids extremely rare. Moors between shaved and dune environment, many species are protected at national level (Asphodel white Serapia to language and little flower). Regarding wildlife, over 290 species of birds (gannets, guillemots, great skuas, waders, etc..) Traveling through or living on the island. The diversity of insects, butterflies are just as extraordinary when spring arrives! The exploration of the seabed can also observe the richness of this environment: the number of fish (bars, sea bream, sole) and shellfish (spiders, lobsters). League for Protection of Birds (LPO) is organizing campaigns birding all year, with the participation of residents.

All these advantages, the Ile d'Yeu retains a strong identity and very pleasant. Culinary specialties from the sea (block tuna, smoked tuna), but also the pastry (pie with prunes, pastries, turnovers, min-min), are to discover and share. The discovery of the Ile d'Yeu can be done in multiple ways, simply wear an eye on it to fall in love.

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