Where is the island of Ré ?
Located in Charente-Maritime (17), on the Atlantic coast opposite La Rochelle with which it is connected by its famous bridge, the island of Ré is the fourth largest island in France with 85 km2 for a little less than 20 000 permanent inhabitants… and much more in season.
The bridge of the island of Ré
This bridge inaugurated in 1988 is one of the most famous in France. It connects the city of La Rochelle to the island of Ré, at the level of the commune of Rivedoux.
Recognized as a real technical feat in its time, it is 2.926 km long, which makes it the third longest bridge in France and points at 42 meters above sea level. It is open to traffic, but also to bicycles and pedestrians who, unlike vehicles, travel for free.
Why visit the island of Ré ?
Because the island of Ré is the most famous of the Atlantic coast islands and a tourist mecca for its landscapes, its beaches, its water sports, its walks and especially, thanks to kilometers of cycle tracks, its cycling. But the island of Ré is also pleasant small villages with traditional houses and the citadel of Saint-Martin de Ré to visit. In short, everything you need to spend a pleasant stay and vacations on the island…
What to see, what to do, what to visit on the island of Ré ?
Abbey of Notre-Dame de Ré
Almost at the entrance of the island of Ré, this is the remains of a 12th century Cistercian abbey. This abbey is also known as the Châteliers.
Ars-en-Ré
It is one of the “most beautiful villages of France” with its small white houses, its painted bell tower serving as a landmark for sailors, its 17th century redoubt, its port and its salt marshes. You can also practice surfing at the Pointe du Grignon.
Fort La Prée
This is one of the many defensive works dating from the XVIIth century that the island has. It is in the shape of a star with four bastions, two of which face the sea.
La Couarde-sur-Mer
Small white houses along flowered alleys, a pretty port associated with a nautical base, and especially five kilometers of sandy beaches make the interest of this commune located in the middle of the island of Ré.
La Flotte
It is one of the “most beautiful villages of France” with its flowered alleys, its market inspired by medieval architecture, and its small port. On the commune are also the fort La Prée and the remains of the abbey Notre-Dame de Ré.
Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré
People come here mainly for its 5 or 6 kilometers of sandy beaches. The place is also famous for surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing.
Whale lighthouse
At the western tip of the island of Ré, in the commune of Saint-Clément-des-Baleines. You can climb to its top (57 meters) and visit the small museum dedicated to lighthouses and beacons located next to it in the former lighthouse keeper school building. All around are sandy beaches among the largest on the island.
Presqu’île de Loix
This part of the island of Ré is essentially made up of salt marshes (an eco-museum explains the history). It offers beautiful landscapes to discover, especially by bike.
Nature reserve of Lilleau des Niges
This is a total of 120 hectares of salt marshes and mud flats where more than 200 species of migratory birds live.
Rivedoux-Plage
It is the first commune after the bridge when coming from the continent. A small port, the Chauveau lighthouse, the Rivedoux redoubt built by Vauban, and above all the beaches are its main points of interest.
Saint-Martin-de-Ré
Saint-Martin is the capital of the island of Ré and is listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site as part of the network of major sites and fortifications of Vauban. It has a beautiful citadel (which served as a transit point for the Cayenne prison) with its ramparts and a fortified church. In addition, there are beautiful houses, a small port, a museum and a pleasant setting that make the town a tourist attraction.
And to this we can also add, even if we are not on the island anymore…
La Rochelle
A dynamic port, an old city, several museums, a famous aquarium, as well as the Francopholies are the main tourist assets of the superb prefecture of Charente-Maritime which faces the island of Ré with which it is connected by its famous bridge.
Weather on the island of Ré
The climate of the island of Ré is mild with summers offering a lot of sunshine, but also autumns and winters quite rainy. In any case, summer as well as winter temperatures remain pleasant for the season. Both in terms of weather and especially in terms of tourist numbers, the mid-seasons, late May-June and September, are the best times to visit.
For more details, it’s here…
> For more info: www.iledere.com
Hello! I’m Ben Fischer, a travel enthusiast who has journeyed far and wide to bring you unique and inspiring stories. Each destination is a new adventure for me, a chance to explore diverse cultures and share unforgettable experiences.
In my articles, I take you beyond mere descriptions of places. I share the encounters, special moments, and anecdotes that make each trip unique. My writing is an invitation to see the world through my eyes, blending practical tips with personal insights.
As a lifelong traveler, I approach each journey with respect and curiosity, eager to uncover the stories hidden in every corner of the globe.