July 8th we sailed to L'Herboudier on Noirmoutier having left Pornichet (very tight exit and not a great place to stay except as a one night stopover). An interesting island, although it is connected to the mainland via the Passage du Gois causeway, the salt pans are so similar to the keyhaven marshes and old industries based there but on Noirmoutier they are still thriving and supply delicious salts with flavourings such as bay and pepper and lemon and shallots. We left Noirmoutier (there is a sill) and motored to Port Joinville, Ile d'Yeu. We spent a few days here walking and cycling and realised that we were just at the start of the season as the bicycles were fully booked in some of the hire shops. Many sandy coves and pine forests and possible anchoring spots.
On the way South we stopped in Bourgeney. An odd artificially created harbour with a terrifying entrance or exit if there is some wind in the forecast. We had hoped to get into Le Sable d' Olonne but there was a rally there so we left it for our return trip.
On the return trip we did visit Le Sable d'Olonne and stayed in the fisherman's quay - Quai Garnier. Super indoor market and lovely beaches. It had a great holiday vibe and we walked the pavements to see the Vendee Globe boats in the marina. It must be amazing when the boats sail out or into that famous canal.
On our return trip in August we stopped in Pornic which had a fascinating Old ships Parade with the Pen Duicks, a few X boats from Lymington and many other delightful old yachts.