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 gorgeous surroundings! Boasting one of many largest salt producing areas in France, in addition to kilometre upon kilometre of untamed wilderness, the island is the right 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 house 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 individuals choose to go tenting on the island to get in contact with nature and get away from all of it. With this being mentioned, a lot of the island’s predominant points of interest can simply be seen over the course of a day if that’s on a regular basis you must discover. Here’s your information to one of the best 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 individuals now confer with the island because the French model of the Hamptons because of its recognition amongst Parisians.
What is Île de Ré recognized for?
The island is especially famed for its oysters, and throughout the island there are oyster shacks promoting freshly farmed seafood to any prepared consumers. The island can be recognized for its salt manufacturing, and there are a variety of salt flats within the western portion of the island.
When is one of the best time to go to?
Like many locations in France, one of the best time to go to Île de Ré is in the summertime when the temperatures are larger, the times are longer, and there’s little likelihood of rain. Many companies on the island are seasonal, and so in case you go to within the winter you’ll discover many retailers shut.
However, as you may think about with a spot fashionable amongst Parisians, visiting in the summertime comes with elevated costs, to not point out that one of the best lodging and tenting grounds replenish fast- so be sure you reserve all the pieces you want to your journey effectively upfront.
Getting round Île de Ré
Once on the island, you’ll quickly uncover the most well-liked approach of getting across the place: by bicycle. Bike rental areas are everywhere in the island, although each large city and village additionally has one.
Wherever you go, you’ll discover dozens upon dozens of bikes parked up, and in case you’re driving across the island, you’ll quickly realise who will get the actual 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’d 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 must 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 in case you’re solely on Île de Ré for a day since then you may work your approach again to the mainland.
The construction you see right this moment was constructed in 1854 to interchange a former Vauban constructing on the positioning from the Seventeenth-century. Now, for a charge, you may climb the 250+ steps to achieve the highest of the lighthouse and revel in a chook’s eye view of the island. There’s additionally an accompanying museum.
Nearby, there are a variety of coastal walks the place you may get pleasure from uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean. There are additionally quite a few vacationer retailers near the lighthouse (between the parking of the lighthouse and the lighthouse itself) promoting all types of typical beachwares.
As effectively as shops promoting your typical coverups and seashore clothes, there’s a store promoting seashore luggage with typical French names (Sophie, Charlotte, Marie) embroidered on the aspect. This can be an awesome spot to get pleasure from an ice cream.
We personally went to La Martinière and you will get unusual flavours like native oyster! If you favor one thing extra conventional, then it’s essential to look no additional than the salted caramel, which accommodates regionally farmed salt. Another island speciality price sampling is the frozen macaron- it was really scrumptious!
Saint Martin de Re
The capital of the island is a formidable walled city which was fortified within the Seventeenth-century by Vauban. Home to a inhabitants of simply over 2000 residents, the actual 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 considered one of them. Truth be advised, there’s not an enormous quantity of actions within the village and the primary focal point is to wander round, snapping pictures of the gorgeous homes and little streets.
The predominant focal point in Ars-en-Re is its centrally positioned parish church. Though the inside is sort of plain in terms of Roman Catholic church buildings, the steeple is especially fascinating 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 house 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 each day in Market Square in July and August.
Abbaye des Chateliers
Situated only a stone’s throw away from La Flotte (probably the most 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 primary street, although guests ought to word that there’s not a substantial amount of area to park and the automobile park fills up quick, particularly throughout peak season. I subsequently advocate going very first thing within the morning in order to see the ecclesiastical constructing with fewer individuals round and truly 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 finally left the island as they had been uninterested in 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 subject surrounding the abbey, including to the general ambiance.
Beaches on Ile de Re
Of course, there’s no approach you’d need to go to an island in western France with out heading to the seashore sooner or later or one other. Ile de Re boasts a number of sandy stretches, although the most well-liked embrace:
- Plage de Gros Jonc: this seashore is utilized by surfers but in addition by sunbathers owing to its good sand.
- Plage de Trousse Chemise: it is a wild seashore close to Les-Portes-en-Ré which is understood for its wind (making it fashionable amongst kitesurfers)
- Plage du Petit Sergent: it is a pebble seashore not removed from Le Bois Plage. Several climbing routes could 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 seashore is likely one of the closest to Saint-Martin-de-Ré.
Marais Salants (Salt Marshes)
As I discussed beforehand, Île de Ré is sort 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 at the moment!)
Though at one level previously few centuries salt farming (a salt farmer is known as ‘saunier’ in French) grew to become a little bit of a misplaced artwork, the job has loved considerably of a resurgence previously few a long time and so you may nonetheless see the standard salt farming on the salt flats right this moment.
There’s even a small museum, Ecomuseum Marais Salant, the place you may be taught extra concerning the historical past of salt farming on the island. The museum is about among the many salt flats, that means that you may 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 improbable sea views.
We personally went to Les Copains Babord, the place considered one of my buddies loved the home speciality: a plate of oysters served up with a recent slice of lemon. Another of our buddies had their fruit salad, whereas I had simply had an enormous ice cream so simply loved their native glass of rosé, which is produced on the island.
Suggested itinerary for in the future in Île de Ré
In order to get pleasure from this itinerary, you’ll want entry to your personal car, which you’ll hire on the mainland. Check automobile rental comparability costs right here upfront.
Phare des Baleienes: begin your time off on the furthest level from the mainland. Go up the lighthouse, get pleasure from views of the island, and in case you get pleasure from sweets within the morning, pattern a frozen macaron at La Martinière.
Ars-en-Ré: wander round probably the most stunning villages in France. Snap pictures of the pastel hued homes and cute 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 a few of the salt flats. Those who’re further curious may even choose to go to the eco-museum within the coronary heart of the salt flatlands.
Grab lunch: I personally advocate going to an oyster shack and sampling a few of 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 appears to be like greatest 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 get pleasure from 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 probably the most 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 canine, 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 the moment splits her time between Paris and London. Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.