The Île de Ré is best explored by bike: an eco-friendly way to travel that respects its sensitive natural areas and allows you to easily connect one village to another. Numerous bike paths wind along the coastline, through vineyards, in the shade of woodlands, and across salt marshes. While staying at a hotel on the Île de Ré, embrace cycling! It's a refreshing and revitalizing way to discover the island's heritage. Many rental shops can provide you with mountain bikes, city bikes, tandems, or bicycles with trailers for children, either for a day or a week. Whether you're an athlete or prefer to take your time, cycling around the Île de Ré is a delight at every moment. The flat terrain ensures no physical difficulty. If you wish, you can also choose electric bikes for an even more comfortable ride around the island!

The Natural Spaces of the North of the Island

Would you like to dedicate a day or two on the island to cycling tourism? Why not start your exploration in the north of Île de Ré, the wildest and most exotic part of the island! A map of Île de Ré with its cycling paths and greenways is available at the tourist offices. Begin your day, for example, in Saint-Martin-de-Ré, the perfect starting point for a tour of the island beginning with the northern section. Country roads will take you through vineyards to La Couarde-sur-Mer. Check the availability of bike rentals in La Couarde-sur-Mer, a must-see stop with its lovely village center and historic bandstand. This charming seaside resort also invites you to take a well-deserved break on its beach. Next, head towards the Fier d’Ars, whose bay is home to the classified Lilleau des Niges nature reserve. Pedaling through endless marshlands, you will catch glimpses of salt workers at their craft and admire a vast array of birdlife. Your journey will take you to the village of Ars-en-Ré, labeled one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France" and recognizable from afar by its black-and-white lighthouse steeple. Check out the options for bike rentals in Ars-en-Ré. Its charming marina is also the perfect spot to enjoy some oysters in an idyllic setting. This first cycling day could end with an arrival in Saint-Clément-des-Baleines, perhaps with a visit to the lighthouse. The site offers a unique panorama, one of the most beautiful on the island, even more impressive from the top of the lighthouse.

The Beaches and Villages of the South of the Island

After an essential stop at the beaches of Portes-en-Ré, renowned for their beauty, you can cycle toward the southern part of the island. About fifteen kilometers through vineyard landscapes will bring you to Bois-Plage-en-Ré. Explore the bike rental options at Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré. During the season, the village hosts the island’s largest market daily from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It’s the perfect opportunity to park your bike and wander through the stalls, sample local products, and stock up on fresh provisions. The ride to Sainte-Marie-de-Ré is pleasant, largely shaded by pine trees. This charming village will captivate you with its white houses adorned with green shutters and its small streets lined with hollyhocks. At the easternmost tip of the island, you’ll arrive at Rivedoux-Plage, facing the mainland. Don’t hesitate to relax a bit on the fine sandy beach, overlooking the small Chauveau lighthouse. The return to Saint-Martin will take you through La Flotte check out bike rental options at La Flotte-en-Ré and be sure to stop at the harbor to admire the old sailing ships or enjoy a drink at a café terrace. Just a fifteen-minute ride will then bring you back to Saint-Martin-de-Ré.

Tips and Best Practices for the Island's Bike Trails

The Île de Ré offers its visitors a breathtaking mosaic of landscapes. Families, couples, and groups of friends take advantage of their stay to explore beaches, salt marshes, forests, and other natural spaces that make this destination near La Rochelle so charming. While some wander through these natural areas on foot, others can cover much more ground by cycling. The Île de Ré boasts nearly 140 kilometers of bike trails, allowing you to discover the coastline, vineyards, narrow lanes, and salt marshes. To ensure safe rides, it is important to follow certain practices and health guidelines, particularly those recommended by the French Cycling Federation:

  • When stopped, stay at least 1.5 meters away from other cyclists.
  • While riding, keep a distance of at least 10 meters from another cyclist.
  • For family or group rides, there should be no more than 10 people in the group.
  • Greet other cyclists without shaking hands or hugging.
  • Don’t forget to wear your mask, especially in crowded areas.
  • Clean your hands and equipment before and after the activity.
  • After training, always take a full shower.