Stay on the Island of Re: what to do and what to visit during your holidays? Here is our selection of the 9 essential activities!
The island of Ré, with its area of 85 km2, is the fourth largest island in France behind the Corse , Belle-Ile-en-Mer and island of Oleron . It is part of the department of Charente-Maritime and seduces holidaymakers with its marine charm and the outdoor activities she proposes .
Are you wondering if to visit Re Island? Let us discover together the best things to do and to see on the nickname "Re la Blanche".
1. Getting to the Lighthouse
Photo credit: Shuttersotck – Eo naya
Take a day in Saint-Clément des Baleines to visit the site Baleines lighthouse ! From a height of 60 meters, it offers a superb panorama, not to neglect if you visit the Île de Ré. To learn more about the history of lighthouses, stop at the Lighthouse Museum.
Don’t forget to climb to the top of the Old Tower (30 meters) which is no other than the former Baleines lighthouse built in 1669. Then take a walk in the heart of the Baleines Park for a nature walk in the sound of birds singing. Then, if the weather allows you, finish your day with a swim on the beautiful beach of the Conche des Baleines .
2. Browse the salt marshes
Photo credit: Shutterstock – O_Voltz
At the beginning of the 19th century, the saunters counted in millier on the Island of Re. Today, they are only a hundred. This is also why you should not waste time, and enjoy your stay to go crowding the salt marshes, .
You can enjoy secular techniques by taking advantage of a magnificent sunset, while humanting the so special smell of marshes. A true cultural heritage is a must if you visit the Island of Re.
3. Discover the National Natural Reserve of Lilleau des Niges
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Yann Werdefroy
Nature Reserve of Lilleau des Niges based on old salt marshes. Included by the LPO (Ligue Protectrice des Oiseaux), it hosts thousands of migratory birds in both spring and fall and counts several endemic species in the year. Take one of the many trails on the reserve, accessible in all seasons, and enjoy this incredible biodiversity to photograph the surrounding flora and fauna.
4. Make a boat ride
Photo credit: Shutterstock – trabantos
If you’re looking for what to do on the Island of Re, take the sea off and go to the island by boat with a cruise. The ideal opportunity to rediscover the beauties of the island from different angles and to access new places, such as small wild coves or breathtaking views.
At the start of the port of Saint-Martin-de-Ré, dozens of boats offer day cruises for prices ranging from 30 to 80€ per person. For example, you can embark on a semi-rigid to discover the Fort Boyard or the island of Aix.
Don’t hesitate to book upstream since the summer, the companies are quickly assaulted. You can also choose to rent a boat in Saint-Martin-de-Ré if you want more tranquility. With or without a permit, with the help of a skipper or not, you will undoubtedly spend one of the best afternoons of your stay!
- Find a boat for rent in Saint-Martin-de-Ré
5. Visit Fort la Prée
Photo credit: Flickr – Alexis MONS
The Fort la Prée is the oldest fortification of the Island of Re. Military work built in 1625 by the engineers Le Camus and Argencourt, he served as a secondary fortress for the benefit of the citadel of Saint-Martin-de-Ré. You can visit Fort, guided or not, between April and September then during the holidays of the Toussaint.
6. Discover the Abbey of the Châteliers
Photo credit: Flickr – Hervé
L’ abbaye des Châteliers , located in La Flotte, was founded by the Cistercian monks in the twelfth century. This is one of the largest in the centre-west of France.
Classified as a historic monument, it can be visited through its abbey, its galleries, its cloister garden, and its former refectory. Partially destroyed during the wars of religion, it is nevertheless an unmistakable historical vestige of the Island of Re.
7. Contemplate the bridge of the Île de Ré
Photo credit: Flickr – thierry llansades
Linking the Island of Re to the continent, this bridge, which peaks at 42 meters above the sea, is no other than the second longest bridge in France behind that of Saint-Nazaire.
To prefer especially outside the tourist season, the crossing of Re Island Bridge can also be done on foot or by bike. Only 3 kilometers long, the walk is pleasant and offers you a view on the island and on the La Rochelle .
8. Amazing at the Atelier Quillet
Photo credit: Flickr - My neighbor Totoro
What to visit on the Island of Re in rainy weather? Plan a visit to the Workshop Quillet To Loix! A national reference in the conservation, restoration and binding of old documents, this workshop dating from 1987 has traditional manual know-how.
The labeled "Life Heritage Company", he offers guided tours to discover the various techniques exerted: binding, gold, restoration of documents and works of art... If you are lovers of beautiful books, you can even find your happiness at the workshop bookshop, which offers for sale old books, postcards or comics.
9. Visit the "bones in panties"
Photo credit: Flickr – dynamosquito
Yes, you've read well! At the time, the Baudets du Poitou were used for agricultural work, collection varech on the coast, the harvest of salt or the transport of men. If the donkeys were so “stuffed”, it was not by caption, but rather by necessity. The purpose of the panties was to limit the coming of flies and mosquitoes, very present in the salt marshes, on the skin of the donkeys.
If you ask that you do a family on the Island of Re, take your children to Saint-Martin-de-Ré to meet them. As a bonus: they will be delighted to make a mini-walk on their back!
How do I go to Re Island?
Located between Nantes and Bordeaux , Île de Ré is connected to the continent by a bridge to reach La Rochelle without difficulties.
- We've got to count 4:30 from the car. Paris, and about 2 hours from Bordeaux or Nantes.
- By train, the nearest train station is La Rochelle. A connection is then provided by bus to the island.
- For the airport, La Rochelle is connected to several cities in France via different companies (think of comparing the prices of the flight tickets on our partner’s website Skyscanner).
How to get around the island of Re?
Photo credit: Flickr – Grégory Cassiau
Cycling and walking
Within the different villages of the island, choose the walks, which will allow you to discover the small flowery streets in their smallest corners.
To go from one village to another, we recommend you move by bike. With 110 kilometers of bike paths, Île de Ré is a real eldorado for bicycle rides. Through its breathtaking and authentic landscapes, it allows young and old, amateur and passionate, to pedal to its discovery.
Shuttle
The Circular shuttle allows you to connect between different villages on the island. So you can reach, free , La Flotte, Loix and Sainte-Marie-de-Ré from 1 April , then the rest of the island from the 7 July , and this, to the 3 September .
Finally, there are buses that allow you to go to La Rochelle ( between 30 minutes and 2 hours depending on your starting village). The ticket price return is 4,10€ .
Where to stay on Re Island?
The Island of Re, a flagship tourist destination on the Atlantic Coast, offers its visitors a multitude of housing solutions: whatever your budget, you will find your happiness. Need inspiration at the best price? See you on this hotel comparison to find the rare pearl!
But if you want to find more personalized accommodation, you can also prefer a rental Airbnb To feel like home!
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