Les Hautes Mers
Relaxed nautical chic — Pierre Frey fabrics, driftwood sculptures, wicker armchairs, and a flotilla of boat-model mobiles hanging in the restaurant. Designed to feel like a beautifully curated beach house rather than a formal hotel. Art from the founders' personal collection lines the walls (Charles Fréger photographs, Laurent Millet constructions, Marie Bathellier sculptures). Children and dogs are both genuinely free of charge.
Upper-floor rooms have more privacy — ground-floor terraces can overlook each other
Why It Matters
The only oceanfront hotel on Île d'Yeu, an island deliberately off the tourist radar. Part of the Fontenille Collection, whose other properties include Provençal wine estates and a Tuscan farmhouse. Here the brand brings the same design sensibility to a raw Atlantic setting. The restaurant Vent Debout is serious about its seafood; the 300m² Alaena Spa is open to day visitors. And the hotel's name comes from a Barbara song — that's the vibe.
The Fontenille Collection's 8th property, built inside the bones of the old Le Caillou Blanc hotel on Île d'Yeu — a 40km² car-free island off France's Vendée coast, reachable only by ferry. It sits right on Ker Châlon beach, a few minutes' walk from Port-Joinville's pier. Whitewashed facades, stone walls, an oceanfront heated pool, and 25 rooms and suites that almost all open onto the Atlantic. The only beachfront hotel on the island.
Where You'll Stay
7 room types available
Family Room
Two separate bedrooms: one with a queen bed, one with a bunk bed. Practical layout with a shared bathroom. Kids up to 12 stay free.
Queen + Bunk Bed · 30 sqmJunior Suite Ocean Terrace
The favourite room for a reason. Private terrace directly overlooking the ocean, king-size bed. Room #15 is particularly recommended by guests and the hotel itself for panoramic Atlantic views. Living room with sofa bed included.
King · 30 sqmSignature Room
A step up from the Superior tier. Private balcony overlooks both the Bay of Ker Châlon and the hotel's gardens — a better vantage point than the ground-floor terraces.
Queen · 24 sqmSuperior Ocean Room
The most compact room category at 15sqm — ocean views without the terrace. Honest about the size: it's snug, but if you're mostly outside it won't matter.
Queen · 15 sqmSuperior Ocean Terrace
Same footprint as Superior Terrace but with a private terrace that looks directly over the Bay of Ker Châlon. The upgrade worth paying for if you're in a standard room.
Queen · 20 sqmSuperior Terrace
Ground-floor rooms with a private terrace. Good for easy access, though upper-floor rooms have more seclusion (ground-floor terraces can see each other). One room in this category is adapted for reduced mobility.
Queen · 20 sqmTwo Bedroom Terrace Suite
Larger family or group option with a private terrace and two bedrooms. Second bedroom configured as twins or bunk bed. Children ages 2-12 in the second bedroom are charged €45/night (same price whether one or two kids).
Queen + Twin/Bunk Bed · 45 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Bikes available directly from the hotel. The island has over 40km of coastal paths and marked trails. Electric mountain bikes also available nearby (5-minute ride from the hotel). Roads are quiet and largely car-free.
The concierge team can arrange diving, sand-yachting, horseback riding, helicopter island tours, sailing lessons, and more — all pre-bookable before arrival.
Head out with a local fisherman for traditional sea fishing — bars, sea bream, mackerel are the typical catch. Bookable through the hotel concierge.
Kayaks available to rent directly from Les Hautes Mers. Paddle along rocky cliffs, explore sea caves, and reach coves that are inaccessible by land.
On-site pétanque court in the garden — the classic French island way to waste an afternoon.
Prepared by the hotel kitchen and packed in a rattan basket. Available as an aperitif or full meal. Take it to whichever beach or cove you like.
Curated sunset sailing excursion. Bookable through the hotel concierge.
Weekly classes run in July and August (yoga Mondays & Fridays, Pilates Wednesdays & Sundays). Held facing the ocean. Open to both hotel guests and non-guests on reservation.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Swedish natural skincare brand L:A Bruket provided in all rooms. Inspired by marine elements and Nordic traditions.
All rooms have a minibar stocked with complimentary non-alcoholic drinks, plus a coffee machine and kettle with capsules, teas, and infusions from L'Infuseur.
The main reception room opens onto the ocean. Restaurant Vent Debout can be privatised for groups of up to 60. Full property privatisation from €10,000 for 25 rooms / 58 guests.
Main terrace and garden facing the Atlantic — the spot for sunset drinks, Sunday brasero events, and live music evenings.
Free private parking reserved for guests, with accessible spaces included. Note: this is parking at the hotel on-island; most guests leave their car at the mainland ferry port.
Pets welcome at no extra charge, with a personalised dog-friendly arrival welcome. Must notify category and name at booking.
A large sunken pool in the hotel's gardens facing the Atlantic. Roman-style entry steps, wooden deck with white loungers, Jacuzzi at one end. Panoramic terrace overlooking the bay. One of the best pool settings on the Vendée coast.
300m² spa-side indoor pool, bathed in natural light.
Full concierge available to pre-book island activities, transfers, and tailor-made experiences.
BUILD YOUR LES HAUTES MERS - FONTENILLE COLLECTION PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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