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Nicknamed Ré la Blanche, the Ile de Ré is a dream destination for families looking for an escape for a weekend or a week. Within a stone's throw from La Rochelle, the Ile de Ré offers a total change of scenery while staying in France. On this sublime island, discover exceptional natural landscapes, salt marshes, splendid beaches, vineyards and forests. Like a true haven of peace, the Ile de Ré also enjoys a lot of possibilities to practice activities with your children or to do sports. Discover now our travel guide to the Ile de Ré to miss nothing during your stay!
Extending over 19,000 acres, the Ile de Ré is located in Charente-Maritime, not far from La Rochelle. Nicknamed Ré la Blanche because of the color of its traditional houses, the Ile de Ré offers a wide range of landscapes that will delight all nature lovers. If you want to escape without going on the other side of the world, the Ile de Ré is a destination of choice. Discover the breathtaking landscapes of the Ile de Ré during a hike or a horse ride before heading to the traditional markets and getting lost in the capital of the island, Saint-Martin de-Ré. Typical and charming, the Ile de Ré combines natural spaces, fine sand and fishing villages. Go visit this unexpected beauty island with your family or your friends. As the island offers absolute tranquility, it is also the hideout of all lovers!
First of all, do not miss the capital of the Ile de Ré, Saint-Martin-de-Ré, which faces the Pertuis Breton. Historical capital, this walled city offers its visitors splendid landscapes full of culture and history. After crossing the ramparts that surround the city, go for a walk in the charming city center of Saint-Martin-de-Ré. Between old houses full of stories and coffee terraces invaded by locals and tourists, you will find little corners of serenity. Among other things, do not miss the Clocher Observatoire which will offer you panoramic views of the whole city. The Hôtel de Clerjotte is also worth a visit to admire the Renaissance style, very present in this emblematic monument. Finish your journey by making a stop to the harbor, where you will find many restaurants and terraces where to have a coffee while watching the boats moor.
Then join Saint-Clément-des-Baleines to contemplate the incredible Phare des Baleines. Built in the middle of the 19th century, this lighthouse reaches a height of 60 meters. From above, it offers sublime views of the Ile de Ré and the Atlantic Ocean. If you want to learn more about the history of the Phare des Baleines, there is a museum attached to the lighthouse.
Stroll through the charming village of Ars-en-Ré. Known for its church steeple painted in black and white, Ars-en-Ré is worth a visit to wander among the typical streets dotted with multicolored hollyhocks. You will be lost with pleasure in this maze of narrow and traditional streets.
To discover more about the rich historical heritage of the Ile de Ré, visit The Fort La Prée, the largest fortifications of the island. Located in the town of La Flotte, Fort La Prée was built under the reign of Louis XIII in order to reclaim the Protestant places. In any case, you will remain speechless in front of this impressive monument!
Finally, the Ile de Ré is full of breathtaking natural landscapes. Among them, the Lilleau de Niges Nature Reserve. Located in the heart of the salt marshes, inside the Fier d'Ars Bay, this natural reserve is one of the must-sees of the Ile de Ré. Here, you will find thousands of migratory birds and trails for all to discover the rich biodiversity of this beautiful natural area.
Of course, the rich landscapes of the Ile de Ré offers many possibilities to organize activities to do with your family or your friends. Among them, hiking is a must. In particular, we recommend you taking the path of Défend Chauveau that will allow you to walk between the vineyards and the ocean. Every minute of the hike, you will discover a spectacular and flourishing nature. A real enchantment! The incredible diversity of the village of La Couarde-sur-Mer can also be visited on foot or by bike. Between secret alleys and large vineyards, this charming village has not finished surprising you! Finally, stroll through the Lizay National Forest, the largest afforestation of the island that covers nearly 370 acres!
If it is possible to visit the Ile de Ré on foot, you can also organize beautiful bike rides. In particular, there is a two-hour circuit that will allow you to contemplate the beauty of the salt marshes. Leave from the town of La Couarde-sur-Mer and finish at the village of Portes-en-Ré. A true change of scenery! You can also plan horse rides through vineyards, forests and beaches to discover in an unusual way the beauty of the Ile de Ré.
If you are traveling with your children, we recommend you to take them to see donkeys in breeches in Saint-Martin-de-Ré. Indeed, if these donkeys are "in breeches", it was, at the time, to limit flies and mosquitoes on the skin of donkeys. Now, it's always worth a look to meet these fun creatures that will entertain the adults and children alike!
Moreover, as the Ile de Ré is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and if the region is rather windy, this destination lends itself to the practice of water sports. In particular, do not miss the many surf spots that will delight all lovers of skiing. Among the most spectacular areas, we recommend you Les Grenettes, in Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, the Pointe du Grignon, Ars-en-Ré, but also the Conche des Baleines in Saint-Clément-des-Baleines. Boat trips can also be organized to discover the Ile de Ré in an unusual way. Finally, all other water sports are also possible on the Ile de Ré such as jet skiing, sailing and stand-up paddle. Many agencies are also available on site to take classes or lend you rental equipment if you wish.
