Greece, Portugal and Spain could also be extra common island getaways, however why not France?
Many vacationers go for the well-known French Riviera and it is not solely Hollywood’s elite attending the world-renowned Cannes Film Festival.
Between Marseille, Nice, Cannes, and amongst many others forming a treasure trove of paradisal seashores dotting the scenic shoreline.
![Beautiful beach on Île d'Yeu](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Secret-Island-Escape_-Visit-The-Majorca-Of-France-To-Avoid-The-Summer-Crowds.jpg.webp)
Located simply off the Vendée coast of western France lies France’s lesser-known paradise, a beautiful island free from the hustle and bustle of Paris and the hordes of vacationers visiting different European islands.
Being dubbed the ‘Majorca of France‘, this blissful blip on the map is the final word escape from summer time crowds.
Discover France’s ‘Mini’ Majorca
Mixed takes are pouring in relating to the Olympic video games as Paris hosts the world this summer time.
In flip, many vacationers (Parisians themselves) are getting the heck out of dodge to keep away from the takeover.
![Blue waters off coast of Île d'Yeu](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Blue-waters-off-coast-of-Ile-dYeu-.jpg)
Paris is undoubtedly probably the most visited vacation spot in France, however it is going to undoubtedly lose a few of its attract throughout this time.
This makes France’s hidden gems much more interesting with Ile d’Yeu being amongst them. As July has zoomed by, there’s restricted time to prep an epic journey, however this comparatively unknown island is the right place.
Mixing within the Zen-like nature of Spain’s Majorca with 30 unimaginable seashores and total chill vibes, the one factor lacking, actually, is the enduring La Seu.
Home to round 5,000 residents, at any given time, there is a excessive chance of even much less vacationers.
![Charming village in Ile d'Yeu](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Charming-village-in-Ile-dYeu.jpg)
Never a actuality in Mykonos or different notable islands, now could be your probability to dip your toes in crystalline waters, lounge within the solar on spacious seashores, and wander charming villages with out bumping into fellow vacationers.
Beaches listed below are extremely underrated, particularly with out an infinite sea of beachgoers in lots of frequent seashore trip locations.
Here is the place to calm down whereas additionally preventing the urge to discover with out worry of shedding your required spot.
Venturing down the shoreline, you may discover a number of lovely small coves and wide-open seashores.
Ile d’Yeu’s Unexpected Delights
![Historic castle on Île d'Yeu](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Historic-castle-on-Ile-dYeu-.jpg)
One well timed cause to go to Ile d’Yeu is to not solely keep away from the crowds, however to keep away from the warmth!
As vacationers soften into their footwear in Greece, Italy, and different international locations, Ile d’Yeu constantly stays within the 70s via summer time.
Enjoy the ocean breeze and rather more tolerable climate with out the necessity to discover cool off indoors.
The nice climate ought to activate your sense of wanderlust to soak up all Ile d’Yeu has to supply, and there are positively some surprising delights.
For historical past buffs and Instagrammers, a go to to the 14th-century Le Vieux Château is a should!
Perched seaside atop elevated bluffs, this well-preserved historic website immediately takes you again in time.
![Colorful white-washed buildings in Ile d'Yeu](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Colorful-white-washed-buildings-in-Ile-dYeu-.jpg)
Open to the general public with guided excursions for a small entry price of $5.50, the worth of admission is past value it. Who wants Scotland anyway?
Another underrated side of visiting this island is the scrumptious meals scene, however ought to it actually be an enormous shock, given it is France?
As an entire, France is world-renowned for phenomenal delicacies, and your expectations should not differ right here.
Among probably the most noteworthy delicacies of Ile d’Yeu is a savory shellfish dish, Patagos, served with a flavorful creamy parsley and garlic sauce.
![Seafood market in Île d'Yeu](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Seafood-market-in-Ile-dYeu.jpg)
And as for those who wanted a push to get dessert in France (by no means a nasty thought), the island’s tarte aux pruneaux, additionally known as “wedding tarts”, are the right cap to an awesome meal.
How To Visit Ile d’Yeu
If you occur to be road-tripping via France, there’s excellent news for you. Yes, you’ll be able to hop aboard a ferry together with your automobile.
The dangerous information is there are few roads on the island, so many agree it is not well worth the trouble.
Passenger ferries disembark from Fromentine—Port-Joinville, which operates year-round, however vacationers even have season choices from Saint Gilles Croix de Vie (April to September) and Barbatre (July and August).
For up-to-date ferry ticket costs, click here.
![Fromentine ferry terminal](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Fromentine-ferry-terminal.jpg.webp)
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
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