Top 10 things to see and do on the Ile de Ré
The island of Ré, the pearl of the Atlantic coast!
Activities, heritage, gastronomy and tourism: welcome to Charente-Maritime, one of the most beautiful destinations in France.
Destination Ile de Ré for a change of scenery
Whether it's for a weekend or a week, with family or friends, here are 10 must-sees if you're on the Ile de Ré! Among the must-sees, we recommend visiting the island's villages and its heritage, not forgetting the magnificent landscapes and the local produce. And then there is the beach of course, for water sports, relaxation and sunset walks.
But the list of ideas for activities, walks and cultural visits is much longer!
So what do you think, is there time to get bored on holiday on the Ile de Ré? Come on, we'll take you with us to discover our island...
Want to know more? During your stay, come to the reception of the Sunêlia Interlude campsite: our team will be able to inform you about the activities and the places not to be missed on the island of Ré!
1. Visit the Vauban fortifications in Saint-Martin-de-Ré
The fortifications form a gigantic stone star with over 14 km of walls surrounding the village of Saint-Martin-de-Ré. The vast enclosure of this UNESCO World Heritage site offers a number of beautiful walks. Outside the citadel of Saint-Martin, continue your escapade on the port and venture into the charming little streets...
2. Discover the salt marshes
Also known as the white gold of the Ile de Ré, salt and fleur de sel are emblematic local products of the region. Meet the salt workers who will be happy to share their ancestral techniques and know-how. On a walk through the salt pans, visit the salt marsh eco-museum in Loix.
3. Cycling on the island of Ré
With more than 110 km of cycle paths, the island of Ré is a cycling paradise. Go for a tour of the island and admire the sublime landscapes. You will ride in complete safety and reach places that are inaccessible by car...
4. Travel back in time with the Abbaye des Châteliers
The Abbaye des Châteliers was founded in the 12th century by Cistercian monks. Located near the village of La Flotte, the remains of the abbey will transport you to another era, that of its past splendour. Accessible on a self-guided or guided tour.
5. Stroll through a typical market on the Ile de Ré
Let's go for a gourmet discovery of the local products of the Ile de Ré! Clothes, jewellery, local crafts, decoration, beach items... Covered market, open-air market or night market: the warm atmosphere invites you to share and enjoy.
6. Settling on the Gros Jonc beach in Bois Plage en Ré
What would the island of Ré be without its fine sandy beaches? With more than 100 km of coastline, they are part of the island's unmissable landscape. The 6 km long Gros Jonc beach hides behind its dunes a vast wooded area suitable for long walks. The ideal place to swim, relax, meditate, admire a magnificent sunset or go surfing and many other water sports!
7. Admire the view of the island and the ocean
Climb up and take in the breathtaking views from one of the three famous spots on the island. There is, of course, the whale lighthouse. Even if you have to climb 257 steps, the view will reward your efforts! More confidential, the bell tower-observatory of Saint-Martin-en-Ré on the east side and the bell tower of Ars-en-Ré on the west side. In addition to an enriching visit, they will offer you an exceptional panoramic view.
8. Sailing and water sports
A holiday on the Ile de Ré without enjoying the ocean? Sacrilege! Make the most of your holiday to experience something different from your everyday life. Everyone will find something to their liking among the many water sports available on the island of Ré: surfing, paddle boarding, windsurfing, sea kayaking, jet skiing, etc. Head to the port to go catamaran sailing or for a fishing session at sea. The less adventurous will stay on the beach with a good book while the children play in the waves and build sandcastles...
9. Taste the local products of Re
On the port of Saint-Martin-en-Ré, take a gourmet break at La Martinière, one of the best ice cream parlours in France. To savour the famous oysters of the island of Ré, head for the market or, more atypically, book into an oyster hut. And for the aperitif, choose a wine from the vineyards of the Ile de Ré!
10. Stroll through the seaside villages
By bike or by car, explore the island and discover its 10 typical villages:
- Saint-Martin-de-Ré
- La Flotte
- Ars-en-Ré
- Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré
- Saint-Clément-des-Baleines
- La Couarde-sur-Mer
- Loix
- Les Portes-en-Ré
- Rivedoux-Plage
- Sainte-Marie-de-Ré
With their white houses and alleys dotted with hollyhocks, their beaches, their harbours or in the heart of the salt marshes: each one will make you discover a different facet of the Ile de Ré.