The 16 best outdoor activities to do in Île de Ré

You're passing through the territory was but you don't know what to do? Here is a complete guide to help you visit the Island of Re!

In the heart of the Gulf of Gascogne, Île de Ré presents itself as a showcase of the beautiful department of Charente-Maritime. Its ocean climate, its hot sandy beaches and its many places and tourist activities make it a very popular destination for holidaymakers. Between swimming, boat trip or donkey trip, we have prepared a guide for activities that will help you to visit the Island of Re!

The Island of Re in a few words

Behind the island of Oleron , Belle Island and Corse , the island of Ré is the fourth largest island in metropolitan France. Nicknamed "Re la blanc" because of the color of its houses, this fraction of the Charente archipelago is a paradise that attracts for its heritage, ecosystem and local products. Its historic centre, Saint-Martin-de-Ré, has several works signed by the hand of Vauban .

Over the seasons, the face of the island changes. In the spring and summer, travellers enjoy the beach, fresh sea wind and bike rides along the coast. In autumn and winter, photography and walks on the beach at sunset beat their full.

With only 18,000 inhabitants, Île de Ré has been linked to France by its gigantic bridge since 1988. It continues to seduce tourists and attract the eyes thanks to the show Fort Boyard and its proximity to La Rochelle.

1. Dive

Let’s start our guide with a unique way to visit the Island of Re! Diving is a flagship activity in the region. Indeed, fishing is strictly regulated. This helps preserve the ecosystem of its seas.

The seabeds on the island of Re have several sites that would themselves deserve a complete guide. Rich for their aquatic fauna, many wrecks also sprung the abyss of the island. Here is a list of the different diving areas that are worth a look:

• Christina Rueda ;
• The steps of Elodie ;
• The wreck of the Nautilus ;
• Submarine U-263

Terms and rates

• Registration of a diving license is mandatory and will cost you 50 € ;
• For a descent, plan between 25 € and 50 €according to the site and the depth;
• Whole diving equipment can be rented for 15 € ;
• Activity is prohibited for heart and pregnant women.

2. Surfing

Spend a holiday on the sunny coast of Île de Ré, this is the perfect opportunity to try surfing!

Whether you are at the beach of Grenettes, Lizay or Gros-Jonc, the waves are numerous and generous. You can consult the surf schools on the island and start internships tailored to your level, fitness and desires.

Terms and rates

• An internship during the summer will return you to 160 € ;
• If you prefer to take private lessons, it will cost you 70 € ;
• Renting a board for a week is worth 50 € ;
• Savoir swim is mandatory.

3. Kitesurf

A more sensational alternative, kitesurf will make you slide at any speed on the waters of the island of Re. Indeed, the region is ideal for water sports that depend on the wind.

As with surfing, specialized schools will supervise you with specific trainings. Monitors will accompany you throughout your teaching and share with you their love for this sport.

Terms and rates

• An individual course will cost you 150 € ;
• A duo course will return to you 135 € per student;
• For experienced holidaymakers, supervised navigation is possible and you will return to €75 per person for 2h.

4. The flyboard

If you are visiting the Island of Re, don’t miss the flyboard! You always dreamed of flying like a superhero? This activity is for you. In suspension on a powered hydro platform, you can reach the clouds with this refreshing and spectacular balance game.

Terms and rates

• Plan 120 € for an initiation 30 min flyboard;
• A video of the session is available for 15 € ;
• The activity is accessible from 16 years. The maximum weight is 120 kg.

5. The jet ski

Are you thirsty for speed and are you curious to explore the cliffs and the shoreline was? The jet ski expeditions from the Boutillon beach will offer you strong sensations and happiness in an idyllic setting.

Only or two people, depending on the chosen formula, you will be guided during your tour of the Island of Re through the Pointe de Grignon, Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, the Lighthouse of the Baleines and the Bridge of the island.

Terms and rates

• An expedition1:30 is 160 € ;
• The minimum age required for unlicensed driving is 16 years ;
• Every driver shall know how to swim.

6. The paddle ride

In balance on an oversized board, the stand-up paddle is the perfect activity if you want to visit the Island of Re at your own pace.

Along the shores and salt marshes of the island, relax and discover secret and preserved places. It is the least ecological to observe local fauna and flora.

Terms and rates

• A package for a paddle hike in the natural areas of the island costs 40 € ;
• Over a period of time 2h, a board can be rented 20 € ;
• Each participant must know how to swim.

7. The catamaran and the veil

On board a windsurf or a catamaran, Île de Ré is an ideal setting for wind water sports.

From April to September, the beaches of Couarde sur Mer, the Bois Plage en Ré and Loix welcome holidaymakers to let them discover the pleasures of sailing. Beginners or confirmed, suitable courses are available to make you fully enjoy the wind.

Terms and rates

• From 6 years, catamaran courses are accessible for 120 € ;
• For adolescents or families, courses will return to 140 € ;
• Starting windsurfing lessons and advanced (from 10 years) will come back between 130€ and 150€ ;
• Shorty combinations and lifejackets are available.

8. A boat cruise

Want to see the iconic Fort Boyard from your own eyes? Embark on a cruise ship and discover the island of Aix and its flagship attraction!

Equipped with solarium and fully equipped, you will be comfortably installed during your visit. The tour will be entirely commented to bring you the maximum information on the island and the mythical building.

Terms and rates

• The stopover for an adult will cost 36,5 € and 31 € for a student;
• For a child under 4 years, the rate is reduced to 4 € ;
• Pets are accepted.

9. A canoe expedition on the marshes

The Island of Re is also known for its salt marsh network, dug by natural clay. Most of these narrow water veins are accessible to the public.

Thus, an exploration of the peninsula of Loix and its salt farms is possible in canoeing. Disappointing, quiet, unpublished, many adjectives can be used to describe this superb journey.

Terms and rates

• This activity will cost 19 € children under 12 years of age and 25 € for an adult;
• The duration of the visit is1:30 ;
• Minors must be accompanied by adults.

10. A walk on the back of a donkey « culotté »

A symbol of the Île de Ré, the donkeys in panties form part of a tradition belonging to the winemakers and sauniers of the region. In fact, these coloured clothes are used to protect the animal from spicy insects and other nuisances during the harvest.

At the Parc de la Barbette, you can get to know them and explore the surroundings on a marked course of about 400m, for the greatest happiness of your children.

Terms and rates

• Without reservation, a ticket costs 3 € on site;
• The minimum age required is 3 years.

11. A horse ride

Walking by the sea with horse backs tempts you? At Bois-Plage-en-Ré, embark on a beautiful stallion and discover the shoreline and the multiple Rest forests. The fauna and flora of its protected site offers a colorful natural setting.

Riding courses and courses, as well as horse riding tours are available for any age and level to make you visit the Island of Re in good company.

Terms and rates

• For a 2-hour forest walk, plan 50 € ;
• The same price applies for a walk to the beach;
• From 7 years.

12. Hiking

But enjoying the oceanic climate and the almost eternal sun of the Île de Ré is also an activity that gets married to the hike.

Between land and sea, walk through paths filled with history, through sumptuous landscapes with these examples of excellent circuits:

• The Fier d’Ars-en-Ré;
• The trail of the five landscapes in Sainte-Marie-de-Ré;
• From the Couarde-sur-Mer to the Martray passage;
• A small tower around the Baleines lighthouse

13. A mountain bike circuit

The bicycle on the island of Ré is a real art of living! Here the car is highly unadvised to move you. To preserve its ecosystem as much as possible, the Rwas mostly utlising the ATV, an ecological and practical solution!

With the diversity of the environment on the island, a bike ride will make you travel in various and unusual settings, such as the Chemin des Marais where white gold is cultivated; the Lizay Forest or a gourmet circuit to taste the local specialities.

Terms and rates

• You can rent your bike from Bois-Plage agencies, Flotte en Ré and Rivedoux;
• For 4h, renting a junior and adult bike will return to you 7 € and 9 € respectively;
• Provide a bond check 200 € and 300 € depending on the age of the user.

14. The balloon

Taking altitude and admiring the amazing face of Charente-Maritime is possible!

At the departure of Fontenay le Comte, climb into the nacelle and let yourself be taken by the east wind towards the bay of the Aiguillon where you can see the Mediterranean Sea and the Pont linking the Ile de Ré to La Rochelle.

Framed baptisms will allow you to discover this magical activity alone or several.

Terms and rates

• For a baptism to a person, the fare will cost you 280 € ;
• For 5 passengers and more, the price will decrease 240 € ;
• Flights can only be made according to the weather condition;
• Two flights a day is the maximum allowed.

15. The parachute jump

Do you like strong feelings? Would you like to discover tandem parachuting? We have the solution for you!

Visit the Island of Re View from very high. If you have the curious soul, the parachute jump is simply the best way to appreciate the geography of the Charente coast. With a panorama of the islands of Aix, Oleron and Ré and Fort Boyard, it is an experience that awaits you only.

Terms and rates

• To land on Re Island or Oleron Island, a fare 115 € is requested;
• The embedded HD video costs 75 € and mounting 15 €;
• The maximum weight is 85 kg for a man and 75 kg for a woman.

16. A ULM flight

After stalking its salt marshes, its beautiful coastline and green forests, do you think you have made the tour of the Island of Ré? Get out, there's still a sensational activity to discover!

Fly over the island and Charente-Maritime in ULM, with a monitor! The practice of electric paramotor is somewhere between free flight and motor flight and has different advantages. More ecological, quieter and safer, this unique extreme sport will close your stay with panache.

Terms and rates

• The single rate is from 195 € ;
• The weight limit of a passage is 100 kg.

As the rwas said, living on the Island of Re is living “bean”!