Visits: what to do on the Ile de Ré?

In the village of Loix, in the north of the island, l'Abeille de Ré is a family-run honey factory created by Aldo François, himself the son of a beekeeper and passionate about his profession. As well as producing artisanal honey, he is committed to raising public awareness of his art and the cause of bees. Transmission is his vocation. The honey house's apiaries are located on the Ile de Ré and in Charente-Maritime, near Saint-Jean d'Angély.

The jewel of the Île de Ré, the fortifications of Saint-Martin-de-Ré are the work of Vauban. Built under Louis XIV in 10 years, from 1681 to 1691, they bear the signature of the famous royal engineer, with their typical star-shaped architecture.

The Ile de Ré is located on a major bird migration route between Africa and the Arctic. Its natural areas are therefore particularly valuable, as they are likely to be home to a large number of bird species. At the tip of the island, in the heart of the Fier d'Ars marshes and mudflats, the Lilleau des Niges reserve was created in 1980 with the aim of preserving this biodiversity.

Your vacation on the Ile de Ré will be an opportunity to visit the sites and buildings that are the pride of the people of the island. Among the must-sees is the emblematic Baleines lighthouse, whose long silhouette stands facing the Atlantic at the western end of the island. The Baleines site comprises buildings of different ages: the old tower, built on the orders of Minister Colbert in 1669, is a strategic maritime observatory, providing advanced protection for Rochefort's fledgling arsenal.

The port of Saint-Martin-de-Ré, on the north coast of the island, opens onto the Pertuis Breton and has existed since the Middle Ages. It was around this harbor that the island's urban core was built, and its commercial and strategic position soon made Saint-Martin-de-Ré the historic economic capital of the Rhaetan territory.

The Ile de Ré boasts a wealth of markets, much appreciated by visitors to the region. There's nothing like strolling through these markets to stock up on local produce, pick up souvenir gifts or simply relax during your stay in Charente-Maritime.

Dreaming of a relaxing vacation? Treat yourself to a privileged moment of relaxation by booking an institute treatment at a spa on the Ile de Ré. Sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, massage and other treatments - you'll love this well-deserved bubble of serenity! Find the center that best suits your needs, and choose from the wide range of services on offer.

Would you like to discover the oysters of the Ile de Ré during your stay? Find out all about these quality products, famous for their unique taste.

A historic tradition on the Ile de Ré, salt farming sustained the territory from the Middle Ages until the end of the 19ᵉ century. Gradually abandoned over the course of the 20ᵉ century, the salt pans gave way to the marshes and mudflats that form the Lilleau des Niges nature reserve, and are home to precious populations of migratory birds.

Are you able to take your bikes with you on your camping vacation on the Ile de Ré? Don't hesitate! The whole of the island is equipped for cyclists: from Rivedoux to Saint-Clément-les-Baleines, the 10 villages on the island are linked by a track that allows you to cycle around the island. The distance between two villages is always less than 10 km, making cycling a family-friendly way to get around the island, even with young children. The Ile de Ré cycle path is linked to the network of greenways and trails in La Rochelle, and in particular to the Vélodyssée, which leads to Châtelaillon, Rochefort and Royan. So you can even arrive on the island by bike!

In a landscape dominated by water, between sea and marsh at the tip of the island, the village of Les Portes-en-Ré is a must-see during your stay at Slow Village in Saint Martin de Ré. Just 23 km away, it's a great place to take a bicycle tour. Its territory is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the island, open to the open sea or the Pertuis Breton.

The history of vine-growing on the island dates back to the 13ᵉ century: cultivated by the Cistercian monks of the Châteliers abbey, it continued to exist on the island long after their departure driven by the Wars of Religion. By 1950, vine-growing was at its peak on the island, occupying more than 2,000 hectares. It was also at this time that the island's winegrowers decided to form a wine cooperative.

Vacationing on an island means enjoying the omnipresence of the ocean. Nautical, aquatic and coastal activities abound on the Ile de Ré. Fishing on foot is a must: enjoy the pleasure of digging up shellfish yourself and feasting on them! The foreshore is renowned for its biodiversity. Everyone can observe or fish for a wide variety of seafood.

Exploring the beautiful Ile de Ré requires reliable transportation. Fortunately, getting around the Ile de Ré by bus is an efficient and cost-effective way to get from one place to another.

If the Charente coastline is a popular destination for surfers, the Ile de Ré is no exception, offering some of the finest spots in the area. The swell breaks in the south-west of the island, making a large number of beaches ideal for surfers of all levels.