Last Updated on twenty sixth May 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
A windswept island simply off the French Atlantic Coast, Île de Ré is likely one of the most charming spots to go to in France, and never simply due to the beautiful surroundings! Boasting one of many greatest salt producing areas in France, in addition to kilometre upon kilometre of untamed wilderness, the island is the proper escape from the hustle and bustle of recent day life.
Île de Ré is located round a half hour drive from La Rochelle and is dwelling to a number of fairly as a postcard villages (so picturesque that they’ve been deemed to be among the many most stunning villages in France) and is often referred to easily as Ré island in English.
Many folks decide to go tenting on the island to get in contact with nature and get away from all of it. With this being stated, a lot of the island’s predominant sights can simply be seen over the course of a day if that’s on a regular basis it’s a must to discover. Here’s your information to the perfect issues to do in Île de Ré.
Where is Île de Ré?
Île de Ré is positioned simply off of mainland France within the Atlantic Sea and is simply 19 miles lengthy (however a lot is packed into this skinny strip of land). The island is often known as being in southwest France, although geographically talking its extra of central western France.
The island is nestled throughout the Bay of Biscay within the Charente-Maritime département and has been inhabited since at the very least Roman occasions. Many folks now consult with the island because the French model of the Hamptons as a result of its recognition amongst Parisians.
What is Île de Ré identified for?
The island is especially famed for its oysters, and throughout the island there are oyster shacks promoting freshly farmed seafood to any keen patrons. The island can be identified for its salt manufacturing, and there are a selection of salt flats within the western portion of the island.
When is the perfect time to go to?
Like many locations in France, the perfect time to go to Île de Ré is in the summertime when the temperatures are increased, the times are longer, and there’s little probability of rain. Many companies on the island are seasonal, and so if you happen to go to within the winter you’ll discover many outlets shut.
However, as you may think about with a spot widespread amongst Parisians, visiting in the summertime comes with elevated costs, to not point out that the perfect lodging and tenting grounds refill fast- so make sure to reserve all the pieces you want in your journey effectively upfront.
Getting round Île de Ré
Once on the island, you’ll quickly uncover the preferred approach of getting across the place: by bicycle. Bike rental places are everywhere in the island, although each massive city and village additionally has one.
Wherever you go, you’ll discover dozens upon dozens of bikes parked up, and if you happen to’re driving across the island, you’ll quickly realise who will get the true precedence on the roads (it’s the bicycles!) Since we had been solely on the island for a day, we opted to get round by automobile, however I might like to return for an extended time and get round by bicycle.
If you’re visiting Île de Ré by automobile, then one of many extra distinctive architectural marvels you’ll come throughout on the island is the Pont de l’île de Ré, which was accomplished in 1988. You need to pay a toll of €8 to cross the bridge (relying in your car) however you may pay by card.
Things to do in Île de Ré
Phare des Baleines
The lighthouse (actually translated ton ‘whale lighthouse’ in English) lies on the furthest extremity of the island to the mainland and I like to recommend making it your first port of name if you happen to’re solely on Île de Ré for a day since then you may work your approach again to the mainland.
The construction you see at this time was constructed in 1854 to switch a former Vauban constructing on the positioning from the Seventeenth-century. Now, for a price, you may climb the 250+ steps to succeed in the highest of the lighthouse and revel in a chicken’s eye view of the island. There’s additionally an accompanying museum.
Nearby, there are a selection of coastal walks the place you may take pleasure in uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean. There are additionally numerous vacationer outlets near the lighthouse (between the parking of the lighthouse and the lighthouse itself) promoting all kinds of typical beachwares.
As effectively as shops promoting your regular coverups and seaside attire, there’s a store promoting seaside luggage with typical French names (Sophie, Charlotte, Marie) embroidered on the aspect. This can be an awesome spot to take pleasure in an ice cream.
We personally went to La Martinière and you may get unusual flavours like native oyster! If you favor one thing extra conventional, then it’s worthwhile to look no additional than the salted caramel, which incorporates regionally farmed salt. Another island speciality price sampling is the frozen macaron- it was actually scrumptious!
Saint Martin de Re
The capital of the island is a powerful walled city which was fortified within the Seventeenth-century by Vauban. Home to a inhabitants of simply over 2000 residents, the true draw of this seaside city is the possibility to walk alongside the 1681 to 1691 constructed fortifications.
There are additionally a number of different architectural treasures to be loved on the town. This contains ascneding the 100+ steps of the bell tower of Eglise Saint Martin and visiting the Ernest Cognacq Museum.
Ars-en-Re
There are literally two “plus beau villages de France” on the island, with Ars-en-Re being certainly one of them. Truth be informed, there’s not an enormous quantity of actions within the village and the principle focal point is to wander round, snapping photographs of the beautiful homes and little streets.
The predominant focal point in Ars-en-Re is its centrally positioned parish church. Though the inside is kind of plain in relation to Roman Catholic church buildings, the steeple is especially attention-grabbing in that it has been painted black and white in order to assist ships with navigation.
La Flotte
The different village which has been awarded the esteemed “most beautiful villages in France” is La Flotte, a picturesque village which is dwelling to simply below 3000 everlasting residents.
One of the highlights of a go to to the village comes within the type of a market, which takes place day by day in Market Square in July and August.
Abbaye des Chateliers
Situated only a stone’s throw away from La Flotte (one of the vital stunning villages in France), the crumbling ruins of the Abbey of Chateliers are free to go to and are open 24/7.
There is parking simply off the principle highway, although guests ought to be aware that there’s not a substantial amount of house to park and the automobile park fills up quick, particularly throughout peak season. I subsequently suggest going very first thing within the morning in order to see the ecclesiastical constructing with fewer folks round and really safe a spot!
The Abbey itself was based throughout the Middle Ages, when Cistercian monks left the mainland to arrange a wine and salt commerce on the island. The Brothers ultimately left the island as they had been bored with fixed pillaging and assaults.
Now, the Twelfth-century advanced stays the oldest constructing on the island. Visitors can go to the previous abbey and accompanying cloisters. In the late spring, poppies bloom within the area surrounding the abbey, including to the general ambiance.
Beaches on Ile de Re
Of course, there’s no approach you’ll need to go to an island in western France with out heading to the seaside sooner or later or one other. Ile de Re boasts a number of sandy stretches, although the preferred embrace:
- Plage de Gros Jonc: this seaside is utilized by surfers but in addition by sunbathers owing to its good sand.
- Plage de Trousse Chemise: it is a wild seaside close to Les-Portes-en-Ré which is thought for its wind (making it widespread amongst kitesurfers)
- Plage du Petit Sergent: it is a pebble seaside not removed from Le Bois Plage. Several mountain climbing routes may be discovered shut by.
- Plage du Peu Ragot: this is likely one of the hottest seashores on the island for households owing to the variety of close by services. There are bathrooms and lifeguards on web site (although examine that the lifeguard is definitely on obligation on the day you go to).
- Plage de la Cible: this seaside is likely one of the closest to Saint-Martin-de-Ré.
Marais Salants (Salt Marshes)
As I discussed beforehand, Île de Ré is kind of well-known for its salt manufacturing, which has taken place on the island for the reason that Middle Ages (even the monks dabbled in salt promoting presently!)
Though at one level prior to now few centuries salt farming (a salt farmer is named ‘saunier’ in French) grew to become a little bit of a misplaced artwork, the job has loved considerably of a resurgence prior to now few a long time and so you may nonetheless see the normal salt farming on the salt flats at this time.
There’s even a small museum, Ecomuseum Marais Salant, the place you may study extra concerning the historical past of salt farming on the island. The museum is ready among the many salt flats, that means that you could drive or cycle there and see loads of salt manufacturing en route.
Oyster farming
The different key meals trade that takes place on the island is oyster farming. Oyster beds are scattered throughout the island and lots of of those oyster farmers have small shacks near their farms the place you may sit and revel in native seafood paired with an area wine and unbelievable sea views.
We personally went to Les Copains Babord, the place certainly one of my mates loved the home speciality: a plate of oysters served up with a contemporary slice of lemon. Another of our mates had their fruit salad, whereas I had simply had a large ice cream so simply loved their native glass of rosé, which is produced on the island.
Suggested itinerary for sooner or later in Île de Ré
In order to take pleasure in this itinerary, you’ll want entry to your individual car, which you’ll hire on the mainland. Check automobile rental comparability costs right here upfront.
Phare des Baleienes: begin your break day on the furthest level from the mainland. Go up the lighthouse, take pleasure in views of the island, and if you happen to take pleasure in sweets within the morning, pattern a frozen macaron at La Martinière.
Ars-en-Ré: wander round one of the vital stunning villages in France. Snap photographs of the pastel hued homes and lovely shutters and doorways and stroll contained in the historic church within the village centre.
Marais Salants: you may’t go to Île de Ré with out at the very least taking a look at among the salt flats. Those who’re further curious may even decide to go to the eco-museum within the coronary heart of the salt flatlands.
Grab lunch: I personally suggest going to an oyster shack and sampling among the native seafood whereas overlooking the ocean. They are scattered everywhere in the island so look on Google maps and head to the one which seems finest for you! Many additionally provide non-seafood choices.
Saint Martin de Ré: be impressed by some well-preserved Vuaban fortifications. If you’re not too drained, climb the Eglise Saint Martin bell tower to take pleasure in views of the city, port, and past.
Abbey of Chateliers: Enjoy well-preserved abbey ruins in a second of calm. You don’t want an enormous period of time to go to the previous ecclesiastical advanced and so I like to recommend setting apart simply half an hour or so.
La Flotte: Finish your time in Île de Ré with one of the vital stunning villages in France. The village is especially famed for its fairly port, the place you may seize a drink or ice cream because the solar goes down.
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Sophie Nadeau loves canines, books, journey, pizza, and historical past. A fan of all issues France associated, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the following sundown shot or consuming one thing candy. She at present splits her time between Paris and London. Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.