A weekend on the Ile de Ré

Saturday: the south of the island, visiting villages and heritage sites

Morning: the south of the island, between cultural and natural heritage
When you arrive on the island, get in the mood by starting at the Abbaye des Châteliers, located between La Flotte and Rivedoux. Close to the coast, continue your exploration in the direction of La Flotte, listed as one of France’s most beautiful villages.

If you get there before 1pm, take a stroll through the medieval-inspired market, then stroll through the narrow streets and harbor. Stop by the tourist office for information and brochures on the island.

From La Flotte, head for Saint-Martin, fortified town and capital of the island, to discover its narrow streets, fortifications and port. One of the island’s most visited and liveliest villages. The famous donkeys of Saint-Martin await you in the Parc de la Barbette. Enjoy lunch on the terrace and indulge in an ice cream.

Afternoon: cycling and lazing on the beach
It’s time to head off to a bike rental shop. Don’t forget to ask for your cycling map at the tourist office in the village where you’re staying.

Once you’ve got your bike and your cycling map, it’s off to Le Bois-Plage or La Couarde. Renowned for their fine sandy beaches, these are the perfect places to relax after a bike ride and let yourself be seduced by the iodized notes of the sea air.

If you’ve got any energy left, now’s the time to try your hand at water sports: surfing, paddleboarding, windsurfing and much more.

Round off your day with an oyster tasting in an oyster hut, a picnic on the beach or in one of the many restaurants, and watch the sun set.

Sunday: the north of the island, for a guaranteed dose of disconnection

Morning: the north of the island, an unsuspected gem on the Ile de Ré
Start the second day of your trip by taking in the view from the Phare des Baleines. From Ars, you can get there by bike, crossing the salt marshes and skirting the stables. Once at the lighthouse, climb the 257 steps to the top.

Once you’ve reached the top, a magnificent panorama of the island and its two inlets awaits you. If the effort seems too great, the view from the old tower, although not as high, is still splendid!

After your ascent, treat yourself to a well-deserved ice-cream break at the foot of the lighthouse, before returning to your bikes and heading for the village of Ars-en-Ré for lunch on the terrace.

Afternoon: in the heart of a picturesque village in Ars-en-Ré
Ars-en-Ré is the perfect village to round off your stay! Listed as one of France’s most beautiful villages, it’s famous for its black-and-white bell tower, its small port and its proximity to the salt marshes.

Take in the harbor, visit the church and its bell tower, stroll through the narrow streets and visit the various local producers. Access to the salt marshes allows you to enjoy a 6 km walk.

If you prefer to relax, head to one of the splendid beaches on the north of the island to unwind before heading home.

Take the road back and enjoy the beauty of the landscape one last time.

We wish you all the best for the rest of your stay and hope to see you soon on the Ile de Ré!