Looking for a sheltered, easily accessible beach that’s ideal for a family outing? Located on the north-east side of Noirmoutier-en-l’Île, at the foot of the Bois de la Chaise, the plage des Dames de Noirmoutier is known for its calm waters, white beach huts and wooden jetty.
It’s easy to reach on foot, along a shaded path that leads straight to the seafront. Would you like to know more about this spot? Our campsite in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez tells you what makes the plage des Dames special and how to plan a half-day there.
The plage des Dames at a glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Bois de la Chaise, north-east of Noirmoutier-en-l’Île |
| Access | On foot along a shaded path, then via the wooden jetty |
| Characteristics | Beach sheltered from the wind, suitable for families |
| What to see | White beach huts, 1885 jetty, Belle Époque villas |
| Swimming | Calm waters; supervised plage des Sableaux nearby |
| Natural setting | Protected 110-hectare site with holm oaks, mimosas and maritime pines |
A beach sheltered by the Bois de la Chaise
Plage des Dames lies on the north-east side of Noirmoutier-en-l’Île, at the foot of the Bois de la Chaise. This coastal forest is a protected site covering 110 hectares, where holm oaks, strawberry trees, maritime pines and mimosas grow. In spring, the Noirmoutier half marathon also runs through these woods.
Thanks to its position on this wooded headland, the beach is sheltered from the prevailing winds. This is also why the Société des bains de mer set up here as early as 1863, looking for calmer bathing waters than the more exposed parts of the island. A few decades later, in 1892, Auguste Renoir compared the light here to that of the Mediterranean. Even today, the beach is known for its calm water and its closeness to the Bois de la Chaise.
The wooden pier and white beach huts at Plage des Dames
Two features shape the identity of Plage des Dames: the wooden pier and the white beach huts. Both reflect the development of Noirmoutier as a seaside resort from the 19th century onwards.
The pier, built in 1885
Built in 1885, the pier was originally used for mooring the steamboats from Pornic, which carried visitors from Nantes and Paris, among others.
Today, this walkway on stilts is mainly used for strolling and for line fishing. It also extends the view out to sea from the beach.
The white beach huts, a legacy of sea bathing
Lined up along the top of the beach, the white beach huts date back to the rise of sea bathing in the 19th century. They are now part of the local heritage and are managed by the Association des Cabines de Plage de Noirmoutier.
Around the beach, the Belle Époque villas and the Tour Plantier, built in 1861, complete this architectural ensemble linked to the seaside history of the Bois de la Chaise.
How can you enjoy the Plage des Dames as a family?
The layout of the Plage des Dames on Noirmoutier makes it easy to plan a half-day combining a swim, a stroll and a chance to explore the Bois de la Chaise. From the campsite, you can cycle to the coast along the Vélodyssée from Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez.
Once you’re there, you can enjoy several activities:
- Swimming in water sheltered from the prevailing winds by the wooded headland;
- Fishing with a rod and line from the jetty;
- A walk along the coastal path linking the different coves of the Bois de la Chaise;
- A bike ride around the edges of the beach.
A tip from the Au Bois des Biches campsite team: in summer, arrive early and travel by bike to make getting there easier. If you’d prefer to swim where there are lifeguards, head to the nearby Plage des Sableaux.
Would you like to visit the Plage des Dames during your holiday in Vendée? Book your accommodation at Au Bois des Biches campsite in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez and start planning your trip to Noirmoutier.
FAQ – Plage des Dames on Noirmoutier
How do you get to the Plage des Dames?
You reach the Plage des Dames on foot from the Bois de la Chaise, along a shaded path that leads down to the seafront. In summer, parking can be more limited, so cycling or walking from Noirmoutier-en-l’Île makes it easier to reach the beach.
Why is the Plage des Dames sheltered from the wind?
Plage des Dames lies in the north-east of the island, behind the wooded headland of Bois de la Chaise. This position shelters it from the prevailing winds and helps keep the water generally calmer.
Can you fish from the pier at Plage des Dames?
Yes. The pier, built in 1885, is used for line fishing. Its walkway on stilts takes you out over the water, with views across the open sea.
What is there to see around Plage des Dames?
Around the beach, you can discover the white beach huts, the Belle Époque villas and the Tour Plantier, built in 1861. The customs officers’ path also leads to Pointe Saint-Pierre and several small coves in the Bois de la Chaise.
Is Plage des Dames suitable for young children?
Yes. Its calm waters and sheltered position make it a good choice for a family outing. If you would prefer supervised swimming in summer, Plage des Sableaux is close by.
