Getting to Ile de Ré from the UK: 6 ways to travel

Known as the pearl of the Atlantic Ocean, Ile de Ré charms with its natural beauty and laid-back pace. Think long sandy beaches sand bookended by dunes, 100km of cycling paths, and natural parks. This slice of paradise is also gourmet heaven. Here, devour oysters and seafood and witness the harvesting of the island's famous fleur de sel. Ile de Ré is made for relaxing holidays with family and friends or a romantic getaway. Whomever you're with, Villanovo luxury villas in Ile de Ré provide the perfect setting. 
On the northwestern edge of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, halfway between Nantes and Bordeaux, lle de Ré pairs well with trips to other parts of France. A bridge connects the island to the mainland via La Rochelle. The lovely coastal town is easily accessible by plane, train, car, and even by boat. With so many ways to get to the island, it is easy to get to Ile de Ré from the UK. The hard part is leaving.
 

How to get to Ile de Ré from the UK

Getting to Ile de Ré from the United Kingdom is a breeze. Whether you prefer a direct flight from London, a train from Paris, or a short drive from Bordeaux, there are many ways to travel. 

By plane: 

Easyjet offers flights to Ile de Re from London-Gatwick, Manchester, or Bristol to La Rochelle from June-August. RyanAir has flights from London-Stanstead between March and October. 

By train: 

 It takes around 7 hours to travel from London to La Rochelle. Note that you need to change train stations in Paris from the Gare du Nord to Gare Montparnasse. If departing directly from Paris, the TGV Atlantique takes 3 hours to La Rochelle.

By bus:

The 3 or 3E bus line runs from the airport, train station, or city centre to 10 villages across Ile de Ré - from Rivedoux-Plage to the very end of the island, Les Portes en Ré.

By car: 

Paris to La Rochelle takes 4hr 30. Plan on 1hr45 from Nantes and 2 hours from Bordeaux. A gorgeous bridge connects La Rochelle to Ile de Ré. Round-trip toll is 8 euros and 16 euros in high season. Travel times depend on where you've booked your villa. It takes 25 minutes to get to the first village, Rivedoux-Plage, and 40 minutes to arrive at the village of Ile de Ré. 

By car ferry:

Traverse the English Channel via Brittany Ferries. The Portsmouth - St. Malo crossing takes 9 hours, then La Rochelle is a 3hr30 drive due south. 

By boat:  

One of the prettiest ways to get to Ile de Ré is by boat. Crossings between La Rochelle and Saint-Martin-de-Ré take just over an hour. Running from April to September, it's best to reserve in the high season. In La Rochelle, the Interîles boats embark from Esplanade Saint-Jean d'Arc besides the mediaeval Tour de la Chaine tower.

Why visit Ile de Ré? Sand dunes, salt marshes, and the loveliest landscapes

Ile de Ré is made up of ten villages, each with their own personality and appeal. In Saint-Martin-de-Ré, explore the 17th-century ramparts that were built to defend the city. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is well preserved—a delight for all ages. Just south, Bois-Plage-en-Ré boasts the largest market on the island, with over 150 vendors bringing the village to life! 
To the east, the small fishing village of La Flotte also has a market that is sure to tickle the taste buds of gourmets. Coincidentally, it is home to the 12th-century Chateliers Abbey, where wine and salt production first began on the island. The beautifully restored ruins are Ile de Ré's oldest monument. At the island's western tip, climb the octogonal Saint-Clément-Les-Baleines lighthouse to soak up 360-degree views.  
Ile de Ré's flat roads and idyllic landscape are perfect for cycling enthusiasts. Les-Portes-en-Ré is a good starting point. You can take a 17km looped path to the port of Ars-en-Ré. Both villages are near the island's emblematic salt marshes. From food tours to forested routes, your Villanovo concierge can provide a cycling itinerary that best suits your cravings.

Villanovo in Ile de Ré: Exceptional holidays and luxury concierge service

Our exclusive collection

Villanovo has an extensive catalogue of luxury villas in France, including the idyllic island of Ile de Ré. Choose from family-friendly villas for memorable gatherings, beachfront villas with gorgeous views, and villas with jacuzzis and villas with heated pools for cool nights.

An exceptional experience

Our attentive, hands-on concierges handle every detail so you can focus on enjoying your holidays. This personalised service tailors each trip to perfectly suit your needs including excursion reservations, water sports, a private chef and more. The pièce de résistance? Every Villanovo stay comes with a travel booklet packed with our insider picks, including where to eat, drink, and shop and what to do in Ile de Ré.