Maison Pluvier

Ile de Ré is a wonderful place for relaxing holidays, making the most of the long stretches of coastline and beautiful natural scenery. The island is accessed from the mainland via a 3km long toll bridge then drive another half an hour to Les Portes-en-Ré in the north-west of the island.

In a residential and central setting, Maison Pluvier enjoys being close to the amenities that Les Portes-en-Ré has to offer – just a few minutes stroll down the road and you will find a selection of shops including a bakery, butchers and small supermarket as well as a handful of cafes and restaurants. It’s a pretty village with white-washed houses, flower filled lanes and a sense of authenticity and charm.

In the other direction you can walk to the village’s main beach in under ten minutes with its vast sandy shores and watersports centre offering wind-surfing, sailing and sea-kayaking amongst other activities. Follow the coast south and come across incredible beaches such as Plage de la Loge (2km) and Plage de Trousse-Chemise (3km) as the scenery becomes even more wild and beautiful. Enjoy a special meal at the beachside restaurant looking out towards the bay or discover the little shack that sells the area’s famous Trousse Chemise oysters, both a cycle ride away.

Lovers of nature and keen bird spotters will appreciate walking or cycling through the salt marshes of the Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve or cycle through the pine forests to the north of the village until you reach the remote Conche des Baleines beach. To the far-west of the beach the 19th century lighthouse, Phare des Baleines (5km), offers amazing views of the island if you can manage the 250 or so steps to the very top.

There are many other parts of this enchanting island to discover. Close by, one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ Ars-en-Ré (8km) is a lovely morning out, especially on market day (twice a week) when all sorts of regional produce is on display. The historic village of La Flotte (28km) has a fantastic market held every day and the delightful La Couarde-sur-Mer (15km) is also a joy to explore.

Jazz lovers shouldn’t miss the August festival in Ile de Ré’s main town, Saint-Martin-de-Ré (25km) or visit at any other time of year to appreciate its historic charm and picturesque harbour.

If you feel like a day away from the island, why not visit the city of La Rochelle with its brilliant markets, historic sights and relaxed city ambience.

Read more about Ile de Re

Vast beaches, cycling paths, salt marshes, kite-surfing, pretty villages and fine seafood - Île de Ré is a small island on France’s Atlantic coast with endless opportunities for every generation.

The island is easily reached via the 3km long bridge from the mainland, Pont de l'île de Ré, only minutes from La Rochelle Airport. If arriving by train, Gare La Rochelle is less than 3 hours from Paris-Montparnasse via TGV whilst the ferry ports of Saint-Malo, Caen-Ouistreham and Le Havre are easily reached by car.  

Be charmed by the island’s main town, Saint-Martin-de-Ré, steeped in history with its half-timbered houses, flower-filled lanes and Vauban citadel – indeed, the fortifications are now a UNESCO World Heritage site (guided tours can be arranged). Come across some the best ice-cream on the island at La Martinière by the bustling harbour. Stroll up to Église Saint-Martin de Ré and admire the panoramic views from its historic belltower.

Other idyllic villages include La Flotte with its characterful market and Ars en Ré surrounded by salt marshes, both classified as two of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’. There’s another great market at Le Bois Plage en Ré, a lovely little town with long sandy beaches, whilst Les Portes-en-Ré is another jewel of the island next to vast salt marshes and sandy shores. The 18-hole Golf de Trousse Chemise is just south of Les Portes-en-Ré and there is a superb cycling trail through the pine forest towards the iconic Phare des Baleines for more stunning views.

Indeed, the island is famous for its cycling routes thanks to dedicated trails through vineyards, forests and salt marshes. The island is a paradise for watersport enthusiasts with kite-surfing, jet-skiing and surfing in the ocean as well as canoeing, kayaking and paddle-boarding through the marshes, a fantastic way to appreciate the island’s diverse flora and fauna.

Île de Ré’s gastronomy is also to be celebrated – discover seasonal delights such as the island’s highly regarded potatoes, cheese, samphire, honey, shellfish and of course a range of natural salt products. Since the 13th century the island has cultivated vines and there are some excellent wines to try. Finally, don’t miss experiencing the oyster huts dotted across the island, often accompanied by a glass of chilled white wine of course.