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©default|Jules Serrurier

Welcome to the island of Ré

The island of Ré beats to the rhythm of the seasons, offering moments of escape that invite you to disconnect. Bordered by a multi-faceted coastline, the island’s territory is as seductive as it is inspiring. And that’s not counting the encounters and local delicacies that awaken your senses for even greater pleasure!

A multi-faceted island

Between its villages and its scenery

A veritable mosaic of idyllic landscapes, the island of Ré is made up of ten villages, each with its own unique characteristics, which contribute to the uniqueness of the territory, but also to its unity. Each hamlet tells its own story, where man and nature coexist in perfect harmony. Flower-filled cobbled lanes, stretches of beach with magnificent vistas, buzzing markets offering a variety of local dishes, restaurants with authentic tastes, a historical heritage full of anecdotes and original curiosities, captivating museums and typical ports that invite contemplation… All these ingredients promise an unforgettable experience, to be shared without moderation!

Forest paths and nature reserves are also part of the landscape, and can be reached by pedal power thanks to the 138 km of cycle paths that dot the island. The diversity of these natural environments is also a reminder that nature plays a central role in the Retais landscape, and that its preservation is dear to the hearts of the islanders who live here year-round. Nature” outings are organized by the eco-guards, who work to protect the island in a fun and educational way for all kinds of visitors: young and old, from near and far.

The island of Ré is also home to a wealth of age-old local skills, including oyster farming, winegrowing and salt production, with a PGI for salt and fleur de sel de l’île de Ré to be awarded in 2023. Just the thing to whet your appetite for discovery, don’t you think?

Move, relax, marvel and vibrate

There’s no shortage of activities on the Ile de Ré, and no shortage of thrills either!

With numerous spots for water sports such as surfing, kite surfing and windsurfing, a stay on the island is the perfect opportunity to push yourself to the limit. Don’t panic: for wellness aficionados, the island abounds in opportunities for more soothing pursuits, such as yoga classes by the sea, spa treatments or tasting local produce in good company.

For the more inquisitive, or those who just don’t know what they’re talking about, there are guided tours, led by enthusiasts who will share the island’s best-kept secrets with you!

Several museums also open their doors year-round to whet your appetite for learning more about the destination. Of course, the island of Ré is not without its idleness, and what better way to revel in the pleasure of doing nothing than to enjoy the long stretches of fine sand and the sound of the waves, the ingredients for a lighter spirit?

Don’t forget to take a stroll through the island’s national forest, or take a guided tour of the salt marshes, where you’ll learn all about their workings from passionate professionals with a passion for sharing. On the island of Ré, many local artisans open their doors to welcome you into their world.

Land of sustainable escape

The island of Ré has all the qualities of a haven of peace and authenticity, where human values take precedence when it comes to immersing yourself in its landscapes.

The islanders, who bring the island to life all year round, welcome you and help you discover it with a smile. Nature is also predominant here, and its preservation is at the heart of our concerns. It’s from this strength that the beauty and uniqueness of the island’s welcoming and caring environment derive.

When you visit the island, regardless of the usual clutter of everyday life, it’s its calm that quickly takes over, taking you to a peaceful, unadorned land where, looking out over the ocean, you can simply take your time.

When should you come?

Each season brings a different atmosphere to the island.
In summer you can enjoy the beach, in spring you can enjoy hours of cycling, in October you can photograph magnificent sunsets and in winter you can enjoy long walks along the seafront. So whether you’re a family, a couple or a group of friends, don’t hesitate to come and enjoy the sea air and the charms of the Ile de Ré, to take to the open seas and create beautiful, escapist memories!

Good to know
  • The island of Ré bears the Latinized name of Ratis

    We also find the form Radis. In Gallic, ratis means “fern”. This suggests that the island of Ré was entirely covered with ferns two millennia ago.

  • The best-known nickname for the island of Ré is "Ré la blanche"?

    The island of Ré has a nickname you’re bound to hear around the territory: “Ré la Blanche”. This nickname refers to the typical houses of Ré, which are all very white with green or blue shutters.

  • Each of the inhabitants of the island's ten villages has a very special name

    On the Ile de Ré, here are the names of the inhabitants of each of the ten villages:

    • The inhabitants of Rivedoux-Plage are called Rivedousaises and Rivedousais.
    • The inhabitants of Sainte-Marie-de-Ré are called Maritaises and Maritais.
    • The inhabitants of Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré are called Boitaises and Boitais.
    • The inhabitants of La Couarde-sur-Mer are called Couardaises and Couardais.
    • The inhabitants of Ars en Ré are called Arsaises and Arsais.
    • The inhabitants of Saint-Clément-des-Baleines are called Villageoises and Villageois.
    • The inhabitants of Les Portes-en-Ré are called Portingalais and Portingalaises.
    • The inhabitants of Loix are called Loidais.
    • The inhabitants of Saint-Martin are called Martinais.
    • The inhabitants of La Flotte are called Flotaises and Flotais.
  • The island of Ré is divided into three zones: the north, center and south of the island.

    Comprising ten villages in total, all spread out from the north to the south of the island, it is customary to adjust your visit according to the time you have available and the geographical area in which you are staying during your stay. Whether on foot, by bike or by car, it’s hard to visit everything in a single day. That’s why it’s important to work on an area-by-area basis, and to get advice at the reception desk to optimize your visit and make the most of it!

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