+33 (0) 251490217 & +33 (0) 666176736 Au Passage du Gois, Le Menitres, Beauvoir-Sur-Mer, France info@aupassagedugois.fr

THE PASSAGE DU GOIS

The Passage du Gois

The Passage du Gois is an extraordinary location in France and a national monument. Probably this causeway is so unique, that you cannot encounter it anywhere else in the world. This causeway links the island of Noirmoutier and the main land at Beauvoir-sur-Mer. The 4,150 meters long causeway is only accessible with low tide and then only 1 ½ hour before the lowest tide and 1 ½ hour afterwards. For the rest of the day it is not possible to cross the Passage du Gois, because it is flooded, however you can still visit Noirmoutier via the bridge from Fromentine.

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Photo gallery: (click on the photos to enlarge or see all photos)

The history of the Passage du Gois

The causeway on its current location was used for the first time in the 18th century. People went on foot over the sand-banks to the island of Noirmoutier. Much later they have made a paved road. In those days a lot of accidents took place on the Passage du Gois, because of the quickly rising water was underestimated. This is the reason why rescue poles have been built. Anyone who is surprised by the rapidly rising water or a breakdown of the car can climb in one of these rescue poles. The last strengthening of the causeway took place in 1924.

Shell seekers on the Passage du Gois

The Passage du Gois also attracts a lot of shell seekers. They are looking for the edible shells as cockles. With low tide you will see the French on with their head to the ground in search of all sort of edible sea shells, which they will be eating at lunch with a delicious glass of the local white wine.

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Les Foulées du Gois

Since June 1987 once a year “les Foulées du Gois” takes place. This race is on foot against the rising water. Thousand runners participate in this big event, but very unusual, the professionals athletes are the last to start when seawater level is up their running shoes.

Les amies du Gois www.lesfouleesdugois.com

Discover below our region with its many possibilities

THE VENDÉE

The situation of the Vendée with respect to the UK means that you can be with us within a day by boat and car. Discover the Vendée here.

PORNIC

The lovely harbour town Pornic is in Breton style and at only 30 km from us. Read more

PASSAGE DU GOIS

We live 800 meters from the Passage du Gois. A submersible road to the island of Noirmoutier, which can be used at low tide. Find out all about the magic Passage du Gois.

BEACHES

We have made an overview of the most beautiful beaches in our area. Read more