Notre-Dame-de-Monts

Cumul EV1: 535 km, Total 599 km

First priority this morning is to fix Baudouin’s flat tire. It is easily organized with a bike shop opening at 10am a few meters away from the Café and from the baker.
While waiting for the tube to be replaced, Baudouin shares with the bearded and tattooed shop owners a nostalgic moment of heavy metal music, while old and frail ladies bring their vintage bikes for repair, with a chuckle..
The terrasse fills up with locals and by 10:30 most have given up coffee for white wine. By 11:00 we know perfectly well that the choice is Chenin, Colombard, Sauvignon or Muscadet… We decide to blend in, order a Chenin, and call it a day.
Notre Dame des Monts is a family village which happens to be on the seaside. It is not as touristic as the neighboring resorts. The seafront has its share of ugly buildings but doesn’t extend far, with forest on both sides. A big plazza opens on the ocean, with massive concrete benches softened with hand made mosaic. The beach is very clean and endless.
The Ile d’Yeu can be seen on the horizon. When coefficients are very high and the tide recedes very far, a submerged crest appears, seemingly leading to the island but actually failing to reach it. It is nevertheless called the “Pont d’Yeu”, occurring only a couple of times a year. Locals then gather, armed with spades, hooks and buckets. The hand picking of fishes, seashells and shrimps is a fun event, though strictly limited in quantity per person.Read more