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Located only a few kilometres from La Rochelle, Île de Ré offers the possibility to disconnect and recharge your batteries far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A true haven of peace for both young and old, the island attracts and seduces tourists with its wild landscapes and important cultural heritage. Whatever the season, many outdoor and relaxation activities can be practiced there. Try fishing in the foreshore, stroll through the oyster beds, hike in the salt marshes or even cycle down miles to discover all the corners of the island, there is something for everyone! Île de Ré is renowned for its charm and its pleasant quality of life. The many fishing villages and their charming little houses with green shutters lined with hollyhocks are a delight for visitors. Villages with many small shops, local markets and unusual places, will certainly make your holiday peaceful and unforgettable. We will take you to meet the must-see places for a successful weekend on Ré la Blanche. So don't hesitate any longer! Take your bike and discover the hidden treasures of Île de Ré.
First mandatory stop in Saint-Martin-de-Ré, one of the oldest municipalities on the island and considered the "capital" of Île de Ré. The village is entirely organized around its port and is appreciated for its entertainment throughout the year. As you enter the ramparts, you will instantly fall under the spell of Saint-Martin-de-Ré, its narrow streets with a vintage charm, its small shops and markets present all year round and its magnificent port.
Take the opportunity to visit the fortifications, a real jewel of the Retais region. In order to protect the Île de Ré from English attacks, Vauban designed the citadel and its fortified enclosure under the order of King Louis XI, with construction beginning at the end of the 17th century. This work was one of Vauban's most important and is now part of UNESCO's World Heritage List. The 14 km of ramparts are extremely well preserved and offer a breathtaking view of Saint-Martin-de-Ré and the wild coast. A true journey into the past! Take the opportunity to climb the 117 steps of the village's observatory bell tower and let yourself be amazed by the unique view of the fortifications. A panorama that looks magical at nightfall. Do not leave Saint-Martin-de-Ré without stopping at the famous "La Martinière" glacier. It offers traditional and more original flavours such as raspberry and pepper, caviar oyster or honey apple. However, its best-seller is the famous caramel ice cream with fleur de sel.
Located at the northwestern tip of Île de Ré, the whale site is undeniably one of the must-see sites due to the beauty of its landscapes and its breathtaking view of the ocean. The site owes its name to the fact that in the past, many whales would come ashore. There is a vast forest bordering the Whale Lighthouse and the Old Whale Tower. The Whale Lighthouse, nearly 60 metres high, is one of the highest lighthouses in France. The landing light was commissioned and built in 1854 to allow French ships to reach the coast safely. It illuminated twice as far as the old light station due to its height. A second one was built offshore on the tip of the Whales. Get ready because 257 steps await you, but the ascent is worth the effort because the view is breathtaking. From up there, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the ocean, beach expanses and restored lands. Only a few steps from the lighthouse is its ancestor, the Old Whale Tower. Dating from 1682, the tower was designed by Vauban to avoid the sinking of relatively large ships at that time. At the foot of it, you will find the Whale Lighthouse Museum. Originally a place for storing signal fire fuel, then a school for training lighthouse keepers, the building was restored in the early 2000s and now houses an exhibition on lighthouses and their evolution over time. A fun and animated visit on the French maritime heritage that will please young and old alike.
Located in the North of the Ile de Ré and protected from the offshore winds by the bay of Fier d'Ars, the national nature reserve of Lilleau des Niges is a paradise for bird lovers. Founded on 220 hectares of former salt marshes, the reserve welcomes millions of birds every year. Due to favourable climatic conditions and a rather high level of sunshine, Lilleau des Niges is a real migratory crossroads where many species of birds come to rest before resuming their journey. You can easily discover this land of birds and adventure on the many trails accessible all year round. So don't forget your camera! You may have the opportunity to see the Belon's tadorne, a species of ducks in many colours that has become the emblem of the reserve, or the white mirror blue gorge.
In order to encourage visitors to discover and raise their awareness of the Retais natural heritage, the Maison du Fier has been set up near the reserve. Located in a former salt shed, this museum hosts multiple exhibitions to learn more about the fauna and flora of the Île de Ré. A space that is both enriching, fun and well worth a visit!
If you want to end the weekend in style, what better way to end it than by going for a walk in the salt marshes! The cultivation of salt is an integral part of the Retais heritage and is practiced mainly in the north of the Ile de Ré. In the past, the economic activity of the Charente Maritime revolved around salt, but the drying up of the salt marshes caused its decline. Today, salt cultivation is once again becoming popular on the island. Many producers welcome visitors to share their passion and learn more about this Retais white gold. You will be able to observe the different techniques used to cultivate and harvest the fleur de sel. So get on your bike and go conquer the salt marshes! Between June and September, you will even have the opportunity to watch the salt workers harvest the salt.
In order to learn more about the culture of salt and its origin, we advise you to visit the Ecomuseum of the Salt Marsh. Located on the Loix peninsula, the latter traces the birth of salt production and its functioning. The museum also has a shop offering various local products from the harvest such as fleur de sel, coarse salt or pebble salt, but also typical specialities such as wild mustard or salicorne. Tasty souvenirs to bring back from your trip to please the whole family!
