Lying in the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of France, the Ile de Re is reached by a road bridge that takes visitors to and from the popular mainland resort of La Rochelle. Home to unspoilt beaches, picturesque countryside scenery and charming seaside villages, as well as great seafood restaurants, there is more than enough to keep visitors amused for a day and plenty of accommodation options should you decide to stay longer.
There are two very different types of beach on the Ile de Re; the rocky coves which have been given over to the seafood and fishing industry and the sandy beaches, dominated by dunes that are home to some unique species of plants. The rocky beaches with their “fish locks” used in oyster farming, are still open to the public, though you shouldn't venture too near the oyster beds. There are plenty of rock pools that the kids are allowed to explore, however, so come prepared with nets and buckets. The sandy beaches have plenty of shady spots among the dunes for a picnic or a day on the beach, and the sea here is very safe for children to swim in, as it is sheltered from the worst of the Atlantic waves by other nearby islands.
The island's beach areas and the inland forests are both well served by walking and cycling trails, while many of the roads are also quiet enough to make exploring the area by bike an option. You can even rent bicycles from St Martin de Re if you haven't got your own. The equestrian centre Quatre Fers de l'Air offers day trips around the best scenery of the island with lunch included. One of the best ways to see the island is from the sea, so why not take a boat trip around the coast? These run either from La Rochelle itself in the summer months, or you can take a trip on a catamaran from La Flotte, the main pleasure port on the island.
Many of the tiny villages on the Ile de Re have remained unchanged in decades and if you stumble across one as you cycle, walk or ride around the island, the chances are each will have some building of interest. St Martin de Re is the main town, and is home to a citadel and a pleasant old port. The local tourist office arranges walking tours of the best sights in the town, day and night. Stop off in the village of Ars-en-Re to climb the church bell tower. Using the original wooden steps, you emerge on a balcony which offers spectacular views not only of the Ile de Re, but neighbouring Ile d'Oleron and mainland France itself.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Ile de Re? Then below is a selection of gites in Ile de Re and villas in Ile de Re that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
