Summer activities on the Ile de Ré, 100% Retais planning

Day 1

Sunny start to your vacation, markets, villages and beach

Morning
Adopt the art of living à la rétaise as you cycle around the island’s markets. The La Flotte market, with its medieval architecture, is one of the most beautiful on the island, while the Bois-Plage market is the largest on the island. Enjoy the friendly, gourmet atmosphere of the shopkeepers and pick up some local produce for lunch or dinner.

Afternoon
Grab your bike, backpack and beach gear for a lazy afternoon, and why not try a surf or paddle session? If you feel like it, many rental companies offer equipment hire and introductory sessions.

To round off the day in style, take advantage of the mild climate of the Retais for an evening picnic and games on the beach as the sun sets.

Day 2

Mixed weather, discover the local flora and fauna

Morning
Even in mixed weather, bike rides are always a pleasure, allowing you to join one of the island’s oyster huts for a visit and oyster tasting.

Afternoon
In the afternoon, let yourself be tempted by a bike ride through the heart of the salt marshes to the Lilleau des Niges nature reserve. Crossing the marshes, you’ll discover a breathtaking landscape, and you may even come across sauniers selling their salt or “honesty boxes”, so you can take the delicious Ile de Ré salt with you!
In the late afternoon, visit the village of Ars-en-Ré, listed as one of France’s most beautiful villages, and stroll through its narrow streets and harbor before dining at the foot of its iconic black-and-white bell tower.

Day 3

Sunny and hot

Morning
Wake up and refresh yourself with a dip in the sea. Take advantage of the cool morning to stroll through the forest, listening to the birds and observing the diversity of trees and plants. You can also go on a fun and original treasure hunt before returning to your accommodation to cool off.

Afternoon
If the heat is on, we recommend staying in your accommodation and playing board games or visiting local businesses sheltered from the sun and heat. Honey factories, soap factories, bookshops, chocolate factories, cooperative wineries and cookie factories – many local businesses are opening their doors to visitors to showcase their products and expertise. Once the sun and heat have dissipated, take advantage of the opportunity to go for a swim and dine on the terrace or enjoy a picnic.

Day 4

Rainy weather: museums, cinema and aquarium

After the heat, the storm! But a rainy day on the Ile de Ré is not a wasted day – on the contrary.

Morning
Discover the secrets of the history of the island of Ré, the richness of its biodiversity, the curiosities of its traditions or even a visit to its various museums or in. The island also boasts a cinema and a renowned theater, La Maline, with a varied annual cultural program.

Afternoon
If you’d rather go for a swim, the Aquaré swimming pool is open to the public. Or you may prefer to pamper yourself at one of the various thalassotherapy establishments. To complete the program in case of rain, head for the Aquarium de La Rochelle, one of the largest in Europe. The visit lasts around two hours and the aquarium is a 5-minute walk from La Rochelle’s old port.

Day 5

The sun is back, visit the Lighthouse and Saint-Martin

The sun’s back and you can get back outside!

Morning
Sunny mornings are perfect for getting some height. Let yourself be tempted to climb the Phare des Baleines and admire the island and its inlets! Once back down, stroll around the lighthouse, along the beach or through the forest before heading back to the south of the island. Have lunch in the oyster hut of your choice.

Afternoon
Take advantage of the sunshine to (re)discover the villages of the Retais, with their flower-filled lanes and harbor. Each village has its own unique charm. If you’re going to Saint-Martin, take the opportunity to visit the famous donkeys in their breeches at Parc de la Barbette. And for those with a sweet tooth, take a stroll along the harbor and sample the incomparable flavors of ice cream.

Day 6

Cycling and water sports

Morning
What better way to start a sunny day than with a typical Rétais activity: cycling? Head to the market at Bois-Plage or La Couarde for a moment of sharing with local market gardeners and producers. Prepare yourself a delicious picnic using local produce, or enjoy lunch on the terrace.

Afternoon
Drop into one of the tourist information offices or local craft stores to stock up on souvenirs. After you’ve done your shopping, take advantage of the fine weather and head to the beach for a sunbathing session or to try your hand at water sports – surfing, paddleboarding, kite surfing or windsurfing, the choice is yours.

Finish off the day with a delicious dinner or picnic while watching the sun set.

Day 7

Last day, ultimate sensations and unique memories

Take advantage of your last day to contemplate the blue horizon in all simplicity, with the sound of the waves to accompany you.

Once you’ve packed your bags, one last visit awaits you on the way home: the Abbaye des Châteliers or Fort La Prée.

Then the bridge comes into view and you’re on your way home, leaving you time to think about organizing your next vacation on the Ile de Ré…