Punta Lara is a 4-star hotel located at the tip of the Loire River, hence its name. In the heart of the island of Noirmoutier, in a green park planted with tall pine trees, stand small white, one-story houses facing the sea, reminiscent of those of the Greek islands, with their whitewashed walls and blue shutters.
From the moment you arrive, this comfortable resort hotel immerses visitors in a holiday atmosphere with a maritime scent, with its postcard decor and its villas with exotic names, like an invitation to escape: Arizona, Antinea, Gauguin, Gandhi, El Dorado…
The hotel offers 60 newly renovated rooms, offering ocean views from their terraces or balconies when they are upstairs. They are suitable for couples or families with children (pets are also welcome) and equipped with modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, safes, hairdryers, and walk-in showers.
Through wooden slatted paths, you can access a curved heated swimming pool, the wooded garden or even the straw and light wood colored restaurant area, which offers a land and sea menu, to satisfy all gourmets. At the Atlantide restaurant, you can enjoy dishes with salty flavors such as seafood, sea bass, tuna, but also local dishes, such as foie gras, Vendée pork, duck breast. And why not finish with a rice pudding revisited sushi style…
What to do in Punta Lara?
If you're not a fan of lazing around and sunbathing by the superb white pool with turquoise waters, you can try invigorating walks in the woods or along the seafront, as well as playing tennis or cycling across the island. These are ideal activities for burning off excess energy.
Noirmoutier is also the third largest coastal area for sole fishing, and a region that produces oysters, new potatoes, and salt. The island is dotted with salt marshes, created by monks over 1000 years ago, some of which are open for visits in the Natura 2000 protected area. You can stroll peacefully while listening to the songs of black-and-white birds and discover how the famous Noirmoutier salt is made.
As an anecdote, the use of fleur de sel in cooking was launched by Jean-Pierre Coffe in the 80s, then taken up by other chefs thereafter.
After this bucolic walk, you can stand at the Passage du Gois to watch the low tide unveil a 4,2 km submersible road leading to Beauvoir-sur-Mer, to fish for clams and cockles. This spot is very popular with nature lovers, always captivated by the sudden return of the high tide, which rises at the speed of a galloping horse. Of course, you should check the tide times carefully so as not to miss this fleeting spectacle.
The Punta Lara Hotel in Noirmoutier is the perfect place to relax and unwind as a couple or family. It's a peaceful seaside getaway in a pristine natural setting, perfect for breathing fresh air and simply enjoying the sea air.
Ema Lynnx
Photos: Patrick Koune
Thanks to Renault for providing us with the Rafale E-TECH 200 – Esprit Alpine for our reports: technologies and performances are there.
