Anchorage

Île du Pilier

Shelter: SW, S
Seabed: sand
Anchoring: Allowed

Sand anchorage off the Île du Pilier, a granite islet 2.7 NM northwest of L'Herbaudière on Noirmoutier, Vendée.

Beach

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Approach from the south-east with the 33 m tall Pilier lighthouse as the main landmark, its white light flashing three times every 20 s. Strong tidal streams run through the Chenal de la Grise; avoid crossing against the ebb. Sheltered from SW and S winds; fully exposed from N to NE.

Practical

Mooring forain on sand, good holding in settled weather. No services on the islet, which is a classified bird reserve with landing restrictions. L'Herbaudière marina 2.7 NM SE offers 550 berths, diesel, water and electricity. Port de Morin 4.6 NM SE dries out and suits shallow-draught boats.

Ashore

Île du Pilier is a nesting site for European shags and yellow-legged gulls under Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux management; landing is regulated during breeding season. The lighthouse, built in 1829, and the older 1739 tower remain visible from offshore.

History

The first tower on Pilier was lit in 1739 as one of the earliest lights on the Atlantic coast of France, commissioned by the Farmers-General of salt taxes. The current lighthouse replaced it in 1877 and was electrified in 1953.