If you’re looking to press pause on everyday life and enjoy a blissful seaside break with family or that special someone, the Île de Ré is the place to be. Its relaxed way of life, charming villages and irresistible character make it easy to fall in love with! Planning a stay on this gem in the Charente-Maritime? Here’s your guide to the Île de Ré’s unmissable attractions.
Top things to do on the Île de Ré
Explore the island by bike
Leave the car in the car park and discover the beautiful Île de Ré by bike, the best way to explore at your own pace and soak up the authentic island atmosphere. There’s nothing quite like admiring the gorgeous island landscapes and stopping whenever the fancy takes you – to appreciate a flower, spot a bird, stumble upon a secluded cove or catch a magnificent Atlantic sunset.
Discover the salt marshes and unspoilt nature
No visit to the Île de Ré would be complete without a trip to its famous salt marshes. It’s a wonderful activity for families with children or couples alike: not only are the marshes breathtakingly beautiful, but it’s also a fascinating opportunity to learn about the ancient craft of salt harvesting and the extraction of “white gold”. Fascinating, educational and the perfect souvenir to take home!
Visit the picturesque villages
What would your holiday be without a leisurely wander through the Île de Ré’s most beautiful villages? Simply unthinkable! The island is home to some truly gorgeous villages – several of which rank among the most beautiful in France – including Ars-en-Ré and its harbour, Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré, La Flotte with its market, and Saint-Martin-de-Ré, whose Vauban ramparts are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Spend a day at the beach
Whether you’re enjoying a summertime swim, strolling hand in hand with that special someone or trying a few watersports, a beach day is an absolute must during a stay on the Île de Ré. And there’s no shortage of wonderful spots along the island’s coast: the beaches of Les Grenettes, Gros Jonc, Les Gollandières and La Conche des Baleines (home to Les Baleines lighthouse) are among our firm favourites!
Savour the local produce
Getting to know a place through its food is a journey in itself. And a truly amazing journey for the senses awaits you on the Île de Ré, with its culinary specialities and local produce. From Charentais wine and oysters to Île de Ré salt and all the sweet and savoury delights the island has to offer, your taste buds will be in heaven!
Must-see places on the Île de Ré
Visit Saint-Martin-de-Ré and its heritage-listed fortifications
We think you should jump at the chance to see a UNESCO World Heritage site! And Saint-Martin-de-Ré is a village of incomparable charm that also happens to be home to UNESCO-listed Vauban fortifications. Culture and relaxation all in one – we love it!
Ars-en-Ré and its picturesque church
A favourite retreat for those who love peace, quiet and the great outdoors, Ars-en-Ré ranks among the most beautiful villages on the Atlantic islands – and in France – and is well worth a visit! Its Romanesque and Gothic church and the Fier d’Ars bay, a remarkable natural inland sea, should both be added to your itinerary for a day out in this lovely village in the north of the island.
Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré, a, amazing board sports spot
For a taste of that quintessential Île de Ré seaside atmosphere, Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré is hard to beat. Here, you can explore the narrow and winding streets and alleyways, then enjoy the joys of the water in all its forms… but best of all on a surfboard! Because, yes, this family-friendly seaside resort is a fantastic surf spot, whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned wave rider. So, grab your wetsuits and get set to tackle the Atlantic waves!
Saint-Clément-des-Baleines and its lighthouse
With its wonderful far-flung feel, Saint-Clément-des-Baleines is a destination made for escape. Soak up every moment from its family-friendly beach or Les Baleines lighthouse, an unmissable landmark in the north of the island and the perfect backdrop for your family holiday snaps! And if you’d like to learn more about local biodiversity, the nearby Lilleau des Niges nature reserve is just a short stroll away – a natural gem nestled in the heart of the salt marshes and a paradise for migratory birds.
La Flotte, a flower-filled village brimming with surprises
Yet another Île de Ré village ranked among the most beautiful in France! Its narrow streets and lanes are already full of charm and when adorned with colourful flowers in the warmer months, the magic really takes hold – and you can’t help but stop and marvel at the beauty of it all. La Flotte is also home to a pretty harbour and the Musée du Platin, dedicated to the history and traditions of the island. In short, a destination where the good life, culture and heritage come together beautifully! Well worth a visit, whether with family or that special someone.
Where can we stay when visiting the Île de Ré?
Stay at a campsite on the Île de Ré
For a holiday on the Île de Ré, a 4 or 5-star campsite is a smart choice for families. Why? Because it offers the best value for money, caters for every type of group, with options ranging from PREMIUM mobile homes sleeping up to 6 to camping pitches and quirky accommodation, while providing services and facilities designed to make your holiday as easy as possible: a water park, playground, free children’s clubs, entertainment, activities, food services, bar, grocery store, bicycle hire and more. At a campsite, your holiday is carefree, hugely enjoyable and shaped entirely around you. Does it get any better than that?
Opt for a 4 star hotel for the ultimate in holiday comfort
Another great accommodation option for your holiday on the Île de Ré: a 4 star hotel with swimming pool, just steps from the Atlantic. Perfect for soaking up the island’s relaxed way of life, taking a dip in the heated outdoor pool in any season, exploring every corner of the isle with ease and, above all, enjoying maximum comfort in the hotel rooms designed (like the rest of our accommodation) to welcome every type of family or group!
Cycling through the countryside, discovering the salt marshes, wandering through irresistibly charming villages steeped in heritage, unwinding on beaches beside the ocean… with so much to offer, the Île de Ré is the perfect place to recharge, be inspired and soak up some culture – with family or that special someone. So don’t wait any longer: book your next holiday on this jewel of the Charente-Maritime now!
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