Vieux Château l'Ile d'Yeu

On the rocky west coast of the Ile d'Yeu, stands the ruin of the medieval fortress known simply as Vieux Château (old castle).
The construction of the castle in the 14th century for Olivier de Clisson was on the site of a wooden fort built by the monks in the 11th century. It was first mentioned in 1356 and rebuilt and enlarged at the end of the 15th century. Its destruction was ordered by Louis XIV in the 17th century.
It was built to defend the island not just from the English and Spanish, but also from pirates. Its main structure are 4 towers linked by thick walls topped with a "Chemin-de-Ronde" (literally a round lane) from which to fire down on would be invaders, they rise from the craggy rocks of this small island which had a drawbridge to further add to its fortification.
Today this picturesque medieval fortress attracts hundreds of visitors to marvel at its construction and take in the breathtaking landscape in which it sits.

Open: 4th April to 12th June  Thursdays and Sundays                       12h till 18h
            12 June   to  30th June    Tuesdays-Thursdays- Fridays and Sundays   12h  till 18h
             1st July  to  31st August. Every day                                                    11h  till  18h
              1st Sept to 15th Sept    Tuesdays-Thursdays-Fridays-Sundays          12h till  17.30h
             16th Sept to 30th Sept   Wednesdays-Saturdays-Sundays                  12h till   17h

Tarif:   €Adult 4   Child (7-18) €1

Photo gallery for Vieux Château

Le Grand Phare. This light house was first built in 1829 and then replaced in 1951,(it) and is open to the Public




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