For a taste of the real France, head to Ile de Re on the Atlantic Coast. Known as the French version of The Hamptons, this small island has a carefree vibe.
That’s partly due to the popularity of cycling here, as well as the unspoiled sandy beaches and beautiful villages. Here’s our guide to the best things to do on Île de Ré, whether you’re visiting for the first time or making a return visit.
Ile de Ré Things to Do
Only 19 miles long, this Atlantic island nevertheless packs a lot in. From historic military fortifications to picturesque harbours, pine forests and fun seafood shacks, there’s much to enjoy.
It can get busy on the Ile de Re during the Summer months, when Parisians flock to their second homes. In high season, you’ll need to book accommodation and the best restaurants well in advance.
1. Abbaye des Chateliers
This former Cistercian abbey can be found on Route La Prée outside La Flotte. The oldest building on the Ile de Re, the abbey dates from the 12th century.
The Cistercian monks developed the wine and salt trade on Ile de Re. You can see the remains of their refectory and cloister garden and the site is free to enter.
2. Ars-en-Ré
This picturesque place, together with La Flotte was voted one of the prettiest villages in France, or “plus beau village de France”. Wander around the streets of Ars-en-Re and admire the charming houses with their painted shutters.
There are 16 authorized paint colors for doors and window frames on the Ile de Re: 8 blue and 8 green. Thanks to this, the houses on the island look remarkably harmonious.
Check out the unusual two-tone church spire. It was painted that way to ensure that sailors could see it from afar, whatever the weather.
3. Ile de Ré Beaches
You could easily spend all your time on Ile de Re just going from beach to beach. For example, Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré has 6 km of Pavillon Bleu approved beaches. Here are a few of the most popular beaches on the Ile de Re:
- Plage de la Conche des Baleines – a wide beach located at Rue de Grignon in Ars-en-Ré.
- Plage de Gros Jonc – popular with surfers and holidaymakers for its soft sand.
- Plage de Trousse Chemise – close to Les-Portes-en-Ré, this wild beach is popular with kitesurfers.
- Plage du Petit Sergent – a clean and quiet pebble beach near Le Bois Plage, with several walks nearby.
Plage de la Cible – close to Saint-Martin-de-Ré, this beach has cabins that you can rent.
4. Ile de Ré Bridge
This metal suspension bridge, known in French as Pont de l’île de Ré, was completed in 1988. Visitors to the island either pass over it by car or close to it by boat.
The toll varies depending on whether it is off season or high season and whether you are a visitor or a second home owner. It is free for permanent residents of the island.
Spanning 3 kilometers, the bridge is open 24/7. If you have time, stop at the base of the bridge at Rivedoux-Plage for a closer look and a great photo opp.
5. Ile de Ré Cycling
The island has over 68 miles of cycling paths. Most of these bike paths are completely off road. A few Ile de Re cycle paths are shared usage with other road vehicles.
As the island is fairly flat, most holidaymakers choose to get around by bike rather than by car. This is definitely the best way to see the Ile de Re. Electric bikes are very popular and available from all the bike hire shops.
We rented our bikes from Youtoo, at 7-9 avenue Bouthillier close to Saint Martin de Re port. They give a 10% discount to guests of Hotel La Baronnie when you present a printed voucher. All their bikes are black with distinctive white spots.
As well as regular pushbikes, they have electric bicycles, beach cruisers, tandems and even monocyles for hire. The bikes come with locks and you can also rent baskets and kid’s trailers. It’s not obligatory to wear helmets when cycling on the Ile de Re, but you can also rent these if you like.
6. La Flotte Market
Located in the centre of the village, La Flotte’s artisanal market takes place every day, all year round from 7.30 am to 1 pm. This medieval style market takes place in a picturesque cobblestoned square with wooden market stalls.
There are lots of great organic food producers, including chocolate fondant which has been awarded the best in France. This is certainly not the cheapest place to shop but it’s definitely one of the most attractive.
Another interesting thing to do in La Flotte is to visit the Fort de la Prée. Built in 1625, this is the oldest military fort on the Ile de Re.
It was designed in a star shape by engineers Le Camus and d’Argencourt, on the orders of the island’s governor, Toiras. The fort is open for visits from April to September and also on All Saint’s Day.
7. Marais Salants
The Ile de Re is also well known for its salt production. This began in the Middle Ages and carried on until the end of the 19th century.
In recent years, salt farming has enjoyed a resurgence, and there are around 30 salt producers on the Ile de Re. The salt flats are divided into several pools.
Sea salt crystallizes here between June and September. The salt is collected by the sauniers or salt farmers with the help of a wooden rake.
You can buy many different types of salt directly from the cooperatives. Rock salt and fleur de sel are two of the best. There are also quite a few unmanned stalls selling salt in the midst of the marshes, with honesty boxes where you can leave your payment.
The Ecomuseum Marais Salant in Loix is worth a visit to understand more about the salt production. Open from mid February until mid November, it features an exhibition and shop. Visitors are taken on a guided tour of the salt pans to find out more about the salt and also the birdlife.
Address: route de la passe, RD102, 17111 Loix, France
8. Oyster Farms
The Ile de Re is famous for its oysters which are farmed mainly in the north the island. Most of the oyster producers have a seafood shack next to their oyster beds that’s open to the public.
You can try the famous oysters as well as cuttlefish, clams and mussels. Wash them down with local white wine produced on Ile de Re.
There’s even an out of hours oyster vending machine at L’Huitrière de Ré near Ars-en-Ré. This might sound scary given that oysters must be eaten fresh. However the oysters are sold closed and replaced every morning.
Some of the best Ile de Ré oyster shacks include:
- Cabanajam – on Chemin du Chaffaud, known for its mussels, oysters and prawns as well as its sea views.
- L’Auberge Paysanne de la Mer – take Chemin de la Galère just outside Saint-Martin-de-Ré and enjoy the coastal setting.
- La Cabane de l’Huître du Saunier – in the midst of the salt marshes at Marais de Bergapson, near La Couarde-sur-Mer.
- Ré Ostréa – on the coastal path at Chemin de la Galère, this popular oyster shack has colorful parasols and great views of the Atlantic Sea.
9. Phare des Baleines
Located in the North West tip of the Ile de Re, the Phare des Baleines Lighthouse and Museum is well worth a visit. This local landmark was built in 1854 to replace the Old Tower, designed by Vauban in 1682.
The Phare des Baleines or Whale Lighthouse, stands 57 meters high. Climb up the 257 steps for a panoramic view of the Old Tower and the Atlantic Coast.
If you have time, admire the stacked stones on Conche des Baleines beach. Visitors to the site have gently balanced the pebbles on top of each other.
Back at the Phare des Baleines there’s a small museum on the history of the lighthouse and a gift shop. A few minutes walk away towards the car park there are several more shops and cafes.
Juste is one of the best known restaurants and has a pleasant terrace at the front.
Address: 155 Allée du Phare, 17590 Saint-Clément-des-Baleines, France
10. Saint-Martin-de-Ré
This picturesque fishing port is the main town. It’s also one of the largest villages on the Ile de Re. The nightlife here is the busiest on the island.
Church Bell Tower
Located on Place Eudes d’Aquitaine, Eglise Saint Martin is a 14th century Catholic church. Climb the 117 steps to the tower for panoramic views of the village, Vauban Fort and the Atlantic Ocean.
Address: Place Eudes d’Aquitaine, 17410 Saint-Martin-de-Ré, France
Ernest Cognacq Museum
Recently renovated, this regional museum is located in a beautiful building named Hotel de Clerjotte. Dating from 1480, it was the home of Louis Clergeat who was head of taxes for Charles de France.
Address: 13 Avenue Victor Bouthillier, 17410 Saint-Martin-de-Ré, France
Fortifications of Vauban
Close to the harbour, Vauban Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site commissioned by military engineer Vauban. Built from 1681 to 1691, the fort has a unique star shape when seen from above.
There are guided tours each Tuesday at 10.30 am from June to September, or you can walk around the exterior fortifications yourself. Two monumental gates guard the entrances to the fort. Porte Toiras and Porte des Campani are open during daylight hours and you can walk or cycle through them.
There’s a cool concept store located by Porte des Campani. Magasin de la Republique is a double height building, and has some stylish furniture and clothing on display.
Saint-Martin-de-Ré Port
There are lots of restaurants and boutiques dotted around the harbour. Check out Mille Sabords on Quai Nicolas Baudin. This is the only shop in France dedicated entirely to Tintin.
