What to See and Do Around Île de Ré


The first French island awarded the "Country of Art and History" label, Île de Ré has preserved and shared a rich heritage that includes its fish locks built between the 13th and 15th centuries, its beautiful houses, military fortifications, lighthouses or lighthouse-belfries, and charming ports. On the nature side, the preserved biodiversity of the Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve is a must-see, accessible on foot or by bike. Around the island, the city of La Rochelle, with its old fishing port, aquarium, and historic old town, makes for a pleasant day trip, easily reachable by maritime shuttles or by renting a boat on Île de Ré. Heading toward Oléron, also discover the island of Aix and the famous Fort Boyard.

The hotel located on Île de Ré is the perfect base for planning family activities, marking the start of your vacation in Charente-Maritime!

 

Nature and Landscapes of Île de Ré

Île de Ré offers a backdrop of unspoiled nature and some of the richest biodiversity in the region. Among the natural sites that captivate visitors are the beaches and salt marshes. Picturesque alleys and typical houses with vibrant colors are also part of the scenery, as well as medieval churches, fishing harbors, and marinas.

Tourist Activities

Blending nature and heritage, Île de Ré offers a wide range of activities: spa treatments, water sports, boat trips, hiking, cycling tours, cultural visits, strolling through charming villages, or simply relaxing on the island’s most beautiful beaches. Visitors also enjoy alternative ways of exploring the island, such as storytelling walks, electric TukTuk tours, or Segway rentals. Popular activities include climbing the bell tower-observatory of Saint-Martin-de-Ré, the Baleines Lighthouse in Saint-Clément, and the signal tower in Ars. The port of the fortified town of Saint-Martin is another favorite destination. Essential activities on the island include visiting the medieval market of La Flotte, meeting the “donkeys in trousers” in Saint-Martin, learning to sail, surf, or paddleboard. Explore the many cycling trails crisscrossing the island, starting with the bridge to Île de Ré, which runs along fine sandy beaches on the Atlantic coast, through salt marshes, and quaint villages like Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré or La Flotte-en-Ré. Across the bridge, the port city of La Rochelle offers delightful evening walks. Its large aquarium, located downtown by the port, is one of Europe’s largest private aquariums.

Water Activities on Île de Ré

Numerous water-based activities await on Île de Ré. Among them, sea excursions come in various formats. These can be short one-hour tours around the island and La Rochelle or half-day and full-day outings that include fishing trips lasting six to eight hours.

Visitors can also explore Île de Ré’s landscapes through stand-up paddleboarding or canoe trips. Such excursions often lead to exceptional sites like salt marshes or nature reserves. The proximity to the Atlantic Ocean has also heavily influenced the local products of the Charente-Maritime department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

Many schools on Île de Ré offer lessons to learn or improve specific activities. Surfing, land yachting, windsurfing, wakeboarding… the options are vast.

The Villages of Île de Ré

How to Get to Île de Ré?

There are several ways to reach Île de Ré:

By car, motorcycle, or campervan The journey from La Rochelle, the nearest city, takes about ten minutes.

By train The nearest SNCF train station is in La Rochelle. Travel times vary based on your departure point: Paris-Montparnasse – La Rochelle: 2 h 30, Nantes – La Rochelle: 2 h 40, Bordeaux: 2 h 16

By boat Many vacationers enjoy the experience offered by Croisières Inter-Îles, available from April to September. These scenic excursions depart from La Rochelle and take about an hour to reach Île de Ré.

By plane or helicopter Several airlines serve La Rochelle-Île de Ré airport, including Air France, EasyJet, and Ryanair. Flights from Paris-Orly are particularly frequent. Alternatively, you can opt for a helicopter transfer to explore the island and its surroundings from above.

What to Do on Île de Ré?

Here are 10 must-visit places on Île de Ré:

  • The Whale Lighthouse (Phare des Baleines), in Saint-Clément
  • Notre-Dame-de-Ré Abbey, in La Flotte-en-Ré
  • Fort La Prée, in La Flotte-en-Ré
  • Saint-Martin Church, in Saint-Martin-en-Ré
  • Saint-Etienne Church, in Ars-en-Ré
  • Ars-en-Ré Port
  • La Flotte-en-Ré Port
  • Saint-Martin-en-Ré Port
  • Rivedoux Plage Port
  • The Salt Marsh Eco-Museum, in Loix

Savor the Local Gastronomy

Visitors can indulge in a rich and diverse gastronomy. Île de Ré is especially renowned for its oysters and salt.

Salt production has been a significant part of the island’s economy for centuries. The salt marshes are both tourist attractions and active production sites. They stretch from La Couarde to Les Portes-en-Ré and Loix, passing through Ars and Saint-Clément-des-Baleines. Key products from the Sauniers Cooperative include coarse salt, fine salt, and fleur de sel.

The island is also famous for its oysters, cultivated in parks extending from Rivedoux to Les Portes-en-Ré. Ré Blanche is additionally known for its jams and honey. Notable addresses offering jams made from locally grown fruits include Les Confitures du Clocher (Ars) and Le Jardin de Lydie (Bois Plage). For the delicate crystallization of rhétais honey, visit L’Abeille Rhétaise (Rivedoux Plage) or L’Abeille de Ré (Loix).