A day on the Ile de Ré: 5 activities to enjoy

Never been to the Ile de Ré and want to see as much as possible in one day? Here’s a list of things you absolutely must see and do when you come to the Ile de Ré! Of course, you’re free to discover other must-sees!

A must-do here

Start the day with a trip to the market

Every village on the island has its own market. You’re spoilt for choice: La Flotte, for example, is renowned for its medieval feel, Le Bois-Plage is considered the largest and Ars is the most popular. Let yourself be carried away by the smells and colors of the local produce, enjoy the warm atmosphere of the market and taste whatever catches your curiosity and appetite!

Take advantage of your stop to buy what you’ll need for your picnic: fruit, vegetables and other local delicacies.

Once your visit to the market is over, stroll through the village you’ve chosen, wandering through the narrow streets or along the harbor. Now it’s time for a feast!

The markets of Ile de Ré, to your baskets!

Pique Nique A La Plage Francois Blanchard

Picnic on the beach

What better way to treat yourself?

After shopping at the market, head to the beach for lunch with your feet in the sand, and why not take a dip to whet your appetite. There are many stretches of sand that will make you want to linger for a gourmet break.

Even if the Ile de Ré is renowned for its mild, temperate climate, in summer the sun can be strong and powerful, so don’t forget to put on sun cream, a hat and your sunglasses to enjoy your day in complete serenity. And above all, bon appétit!

Find a picnic spot on the Ile de Ré

Take a guided tour

Learn more about the area

A day on the Ile de Ré goes by fast! It’s time to find out more, so to help you make the most of your visit, drop in to one of the 10 villages’ reception desks. Our tourism advisors will be happy to advise you and show you how not to miss out on the essentials, depending on how much time you have.
From themed guided tours to gourmet bike tours, discover the island from a captivating angle and take the time to marvel at its assets.

A little tip: a few days before your adventure on the island, you can consult the calendar of events and tours to get organized and even book a guided tour before you arrive. Ready to discover all the secrets of the Ile de Ré?

Guided tours

Cycliste Piste Fleurs Jules Serrurier.jpg

Cycling around the island and observing nature

A change of scenery in just a few moments

Cycling on the Ile de Ré is a must! By the sea, in the forest, in the heart of the salt marshes… It’s by bike that you’ll enjoy discovering the island. Some corners are even inaccessible by other means. It’s also a great way for you to discover the area at your own pace.
So if you didn’t bring your own bike, don’t hesitate to rent one.

There are numerous rental companies on the island offering city bikes, mountain bikes, electric bikes, children’s bikes and more. And if you’ve never tried it before, try a tandem. Laughter guaranteed; alone is good, but two is better!

To make sure you don’t get lost, visit your local tourist office to pick up a map of the island’s cycling routes, which will become your best companion for organizing your day on the trails.

The island of Ré by bike: unforgettable rides!

End the day in style in the village of your choice

Creating unforgettable memories

You’ve had a wonderful day on the Ile de Ré and you’d like to finish it off right? A final stroll along one of the many harbors, a drink on a terrace overlooking the ocean, a delicious dinner in a restaurant…

There’s no better way to remember the good times of your day and think (already) about the next ones!