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The best things to do in Ile de Ré, France 

Written on : 30 August 2024
By : Alexis Steinman
The best things to do in Ile de Ré, France 

A jewel in the Atlantic Ocean, Ile de Ré charms visitors with its picturesque villages, natural wonders, and maritime traditions. Though small in size, the idyllic island has no shortage of things to do on your trip to Ile de Ré, like exploring salt flats, touring 18th-century ramparts, and cycling its flat landscape. Making it an ideal destinationsin France for travellers seeking a mix of rustic and luxury.  

Take in the sights at the Baleines lighthouse

One of the most popular destinations on Ile de Ré, this octagonal tower owes its name to the disoriented whales (baleines) that used to come ashore. People climb 257 steps to enjoy panoramic views from the 19th-century phare (lighthouse), then visit the informative museum below. Treat yourself to some of the best ice cream on the island at nearby La Martinière.

The fortress of St-Martin-de-Ré: The genius of Vauban

The fortress of St-Martin-de-Ré: The genius of Vauban

The famous French military engineer, Vauban, designed this fortress to protect the island's people from British invasions. Awarded UNESCO heritage status in 2008, the 18th-century ramparts and bell-tower observatory can be visited on your own or via a guided tour booked through the tourist office.  

The saltworks: An Ile de Ré must-see 

Peppered with hectares of salt marshes, Ile de Ré is famous for its fleur de sel. The refined finishing salt is harvested using traditional methods developed in the Middle Ages. One of the highlights of Ile de Ré, people walk or take a bike lane through the saltworks for an up-close view, or visit the Salt Marsh Ecomuseum in Loix. 

Explore the natural reserves and parks

At the tip of the island in Les Portes-en-Ré, Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve, houses thousands of birds—one of the most important migratory sites in France. Explore their natural habitat by hiking, walking, cycling, or via a guided tour run by the tourist office. When the weather is hot, cool off in the shady pine forests at the Foret Domaniale du Lizay.  

Cycling around the island 

With its flat landscapes, 110km of cycle paths, and roads lined with bike lanes, there is no better way to see Ile de Ré than by bike. We like the 17km loop between Ars-en-Ré and Les Portes-en-Ré or cycling the strip of beachfront between Sainte Marie-de-Ré and Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré on the western coast. The main villages have bike rentals. Your Villanovo concierge can reserve for you—a must in the high season of summer. 

Visit the charming villages

The island's capital, Saint-Martin-de-Ré, has lovely bourgeois homes and great restaurants. One of the most beautiful villages in France, La Flotte has a Middle Ages-style market for gourmets while lively Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré boasts the largest market on the island. The narrow streets of Sainte-Marie-de-Ré brim with history and charming old homes. 

Can you swim in Ile de Ré? Discover the beautiful beaches

Often cited as one of the most beautiful beaches on Ile de Ré, Conche des Baleines is a large strip of sand bordered by wild dunes. At Plage de la Grange, you can swim at high tide and experience a great family activity at low tide: fishing on foot. For fun in the sun, Plage des Grenettes beckons surfers and fans of water activities. Popular among families, Trousse-Chemise has an idyllic sandbank for strolling. 

What food is Ile de Ré famous for? Local cuisine and restaurants

Sublime oysters, fleur de sel, Charentais wines, and farm-fresh potatoes...these are some of the gastronomic delights on Ile de Ré that showcase the island's rich terroir. Taste local cuisine at Le George in Saint-Martin-de-Ré, a contemporary brasserie that focuses on regional ingredients. One of the island's beloved oyster shacks, La Cabane du Fier in Ars-en-Ré, is also known for Charentaise chowder (fish soup.) Find seafood dishes and celebrities at La Bazenne in Les Portes-en-Ré. Discover the island's ancestral grape varieties and wine-tasting techniques at the Cooperative of the Vignerons de l'île de Ré in Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré.

Villanovo in Ile de Ré: Exceptional stays and luxury concierge services 

Our exclusive collection 

Villanovo has a vast collection of luxury villas with a private pool, garden, or that are close to the sea.  

Our villas are in prime locations in charming villages, near beautiful beaches, and close to many things to do in Ile de Ré. Reserve one in Les Portes en Ré, Ars en RéLe Bois-Plage en Ré, Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, and Saint-Martin-de-Ré.

A unique experience

Our attentive concierges take care of all the details so you can focus on your luxury Ile de Ré holiday.  This personalised service adapts each trip to your needs, whether you need bookings for excursions,  a private chef, child care, and more. Last but not least? Villanovo offers you a beautiful travel guide for each stay in one of our villas. Inside, you'll find recommendations for the best restaurants, shops and other experiences to discover on Ile de Ré.

Discover Villanovo's selection of luxury villas for Île de Ré

494 € - 611 € per night
6 3 2

Île de Ré - Sainte Marie de Ré

Villa Aurore

(4 reviews)
1 695 € - 2 908 € per night
12 6 6

Île de Ré - Les Portes en Ré - Trousse-Chemise