Femme Face A La Mer Plage Des Gollandiere Le Bois Ile De Re By Mathieu Genon

5 ways to extend summer on the Ile de Ré

Summer’s already over, and some of you are heading back to school! Luckily, the Atlantic coast is blessed with a mild climate in early autumn. For the lucky ones, there’s still time to make the most of the beautiful sunny days. Here are our 5 ideas for prolonging summer… in style.

Cycling around the island

To make the most of the warm weather

With the Indian summer in full swing, September and October are a great time to cycle around the island! The mild climate and persistent sunshine make for very pleasant cycling. Cross the salt marshes, venture into the forest, follow the vineyards as far as the eye can see, all the while skirting the ocean. The island of Ré offers a breathtaking array of landscapes.

The 138km of cycle paths allow you to discover magical places, some of which are only accessible to cyclists.

If you don’t have your own bike, there are numerous rental companies on the island offering all types of cycles.

See cycling itineraries

Velo Habitant Venelle Ile De Re Elsa Giraud

Velo Cyclistes Marais Salants Jules Serrurier

A stroll through the salt marshes

Recharged and soothed

Known as one of the region’s most visited sites, the salt marshes of the Ile de Ré are a must-see. Characteristic of the exceptional ecosystem of the north of the island, they are well worth a visit.

Whether on foot or by bike, strolling through the landscapes drawn by the expanses of color-changing basins is a complete change of scenery. It’s also a place that attracts a wide variety of migratory birds.

The icing on the cake is to witness the last of the salt harvests at the end of summer. And if you’re interested in salt production and its history, you can visit the Écomusée du marais salant to learn more about this ancestral production. An indoor and outdoor tour is available for a complete immersion experience.

Find out more about salt marshes

Visit the oyster huts

The perfect place to prolong summer

Oyster huts are the jewels of the Ile de Ré. By the ocean or in the heart of the salt marshes, these places combine tasting, sharing and a change of scenery.

Many offer memorable views. Whether for lunch or a sunset dinner, they’re the perfect place to extend the summer with a delicious seafood platter or a dozen oysters.

If seafood isn’t your thing, you can also simply stop in for a glass of local wine or spirits. As the oyster huts on the Ile de Ré are not open all year round, now’s the time to take advantage!

Find an oyster shack

Little Girl Beach Sand Eats Pasteque Freepik 1

Picnic by the sea

with family and friends

What a wonderful idea! It’s time to choose the perfect spot to enjoy fresh, seasonal local produce. When you go shopping, don’t forget to pack a jacket for the cooler end of the day and a good plaid from a souvenir store.

Between the large beaches of the south coast and the more intimate spaces of the north of the island, small seafront nooks at the foot of villages or picnic areas scattered all over the island, there are many different atmospheres to choose from.

We particularly enjoy picnics, dinners or simple aperitifs on the beach, with the sound of the waves to accompany the long-awaited sunset!

Find a picnic spot on the Ile de Ré

Enjoy an aperitif and a meal on the terrace

The perfect way to end the summer

As the summer draws to a close, the terraces are always bustling with activity, providing the perfect setting for evenings out with friends, family or just the two of you.

The atmosphere of the harbours in the different villages is an invitation to good times and conviviality. If gourmet breaks are a must during the day, what about an aperitif as the sun sets?
Isn’t it said that happiness is in the plate? The island’s many restaurants and bars offer aperitifs and gourmet dishes to share, to extend the summer for an evening.

So there you have it – the art de vivre à la rétaise!