Spacious Seaside Holiday House Just Metres from the Beach in Noirmoutier

WELCOME TO FATHER PANCAKE – A WONDERFUL SEASIDE HOUSE ON NOIRMOUTIER

Father Pancake is a spacious and characterful seaside holiday home in the charming village of Le Vieil on the Île de Noirmoutier, Vendée.

Situated just seconds from the beautiful sandy beach of Le Grand Vieil, the house offers an exceptional location for families and groups looking for a traditional French Atlantic Coast holiday.

Formerly the crêperie of this small fishing village, the property has been transformed into a bright and comfortable holiday home with generous living spaces, a large well-equipped kitchen, four bedrooms, several bathrooms, a separate studio area and a wonderful roof terrace with sea views.

Sleeping up to 10–11 guests, Father Pancake is particularly well suited to family holidays, groups of friends and multi-generational stays.

The beach is approximately 30–50 yards from the property, reached along quiet sandy lanes, making it wonderfully easy to spend the day swimming, rock pooling, collecting shells or simply relaxing beside the Atlantic.

LIVING & DINING

The heart of Father Pancake is its impressive loft-style living area, formerly the bar and dining room of the village crêperie.

Light and spacious, it provides plenty of comfortable seating along with a television and sound system. An open fireplace makes the house equally welcoming during cooler spring, autumn and winter stays.

There is also a large expandable dining table with seating for up to 14 guests, making the house ideal for extended families and groups wishing to dine together.

Excellent insulation helps keep the property comfortable throughout the seasons, while fibre Wi-Fi is available throughout the house.

LARGE FAMILY KITCHEN

The spacious kitchen is extremely well equipped for guests who enjoy cooking and entertaining.

Facilities include:

• Two ovens
• Two refrigerators, including a large American-style fridge
• Two sinks
• Four-ring induction hob
• Large central island
• Extensive cooking equipment and utensils
• Equipment for preparing shellfish

Large glazed doors open from the kitchen onto a sheltered internal courtyard with an outdoor dining table and quality barbecue – perfect for long summer lunches and evening meals.

Parasols are also provided for shade during the warmer months.

BEDROOMS & ACCOMMODATION

The main house provides three bedrooms.

On the first floor are two double bedrooms. The spacious master bedroom overlooks the village and has a 180cm double bed, while the second bedroom enjoys a sea view and has a 160cm double bed.

On the ground floor is a large bedroom with three single beds, with the possibility of adding an additional pop-up bed, making it particularly suitable for children.

Two travel cots are also available.

Across the courtyard is the separate Studio, providing additional independence and privacy.

The Studio has its own large sitting area with a comfortable 160cm double sofa bed, together with a bedroom containing a 160cm double bed that can also be configured as two singles.

This arrangement makes Father Pancake particularly attractive for multi-generational holidays, two families travelling together, grandparents or guests who appreciate having their own private space.

BATHROOMS

The property benefits from a generous number of bathroom facilities.

Most have showers, while one bathroom has a bath – particularly convenient for families travelling with babies or young children.

There is also an outside shower and WC, ideal for rinsing off after returning from the beach without bringing sand through the house.

ROOF TERRACE & OUTDOOR LIVING

One of Father Pancake's highlights is its large, sheltered roof terrace with sea views.

It provides a wonderful private space for sunbathing, reading and relaxing away from the beach.

The internal courtyard provides another outdoor dining area, while a second courtyard behind the house offers space for bicycles and games such as boules.

The rear gate opens directly onto a quiet sandy lane bordered by hollyhocks, leading to the shore in just a few moments.

LE GRAND VIEIL BEACH – JUST SECONDS AWAY

The location is difficult to beat for a traditional seaside holiday.

The huge sandy beach of Le Grand Vieil is approximately 30–50 yards from the house. Father Pancake

The beach offers safe swimming, sandy areas and numerous rock pools that appear at low tide, providing hours of entertainment for children.

Guests can explore the pools for crabs and shrimps or join local residents searching for clams and other shellfish.

With such easy beach access from both sides of the property, there is little need to use the car for a day beside the sea.

LE VIEIL VILLAGE

Father Pancake is located in the heart of the small seaside village of Le Vieil.

Everyday amenities are within easy walking distance, including a grocery store selling fresh bread and croissants, a café, newsagent and restaurant/bar.

During the summer there are additional events and entertainment, including a small Saturday evening street market.

This combination of beach access and village facilities makes it possible to enjoy much of a holiday without needing to drive.

DISCOVER NOIRMOUTIER

The Île de Noirmoutier is one of the most distinctive destinations on France's Atlantic Coast.

Although commonly referred to as an island, it is connected to mainland Vendée by a road bridge as well as the famous Passage du Gois, the historic tidal causeway which can only be crossed safely around low tide.

No ferry is therefore required to reach the property.

Noirmoutier is renowned for its mild climate, sandy beaches, dunes, forests, salt marshes and picturesque whitewashed houses with blue shutters.

Spring brings the island's famous mimosa, while colourful hollyhocks and agapanthus are characteristic of the summer months.

The island is also celebrated for its early potatoes, sea salt and exceptional seafood.

The fishing port at L'Herbaudière has a working fishing fleet, while oyster and mussel farming form an important part of local life.

BEACHES OF NOIRMOUTIER

Although Le Grand Vieil is immediately beside the property, guests have many other beaches to discover around the island, including:

• Le Petit Vieil
• Mardi Gras
• La Clère
• La Madeleine
• Luzéronde
• L'Anse Rouge
• Les Souzeaux
• Plage des Dames

From large sandy beaches backed by dunes and woodland to sheltered coves and rock pools, there is an excellent variety for swimming, sunbathing, beach games and coastal walks.

MARKETS, FOOD & SHOPPING

Noirmoutier is an excellent destination for anyone interested in French food and local produce.

From April to September, the principal market in Noirmoutier takes place several times each week, with a covered food market selling fish, seafood, charcuterie, poultry, cheese, vegetables, cakes and other regional produce.

Outside stalls sell fruit and vegetables, local salt, herbs, baskets, soaps, clothing and numerous other products.

Markets also take place in villages around the island on different days.

A good choice of supermarkets, bakeries, butchers, fishmongers, delicatessens and wine merchants can be found around Noirmoutier.

The island is particularly well known for fresh seafood, local potatoes, salt and wines from the Vendée and neighbouring Loire region.

RESTAURANTS

Noirmoutier has an excellent culinary reputation, with everything from relaxed cafés, crêperies and seafood restaurants to fine dining.

Guests can enjoy freshly landed fish and seafood, traditional French cuisine, pizzas, crêpes and local specialities throughout the island.

For a special occasion, the island is also home to the acclaimed La Marine restaurant at L'Herbaudière.