Villa Adalaide

From your base in the centre of Le Bois Plage en Ré, you’ll be within a short walk of all local amenities. For example, Villa Adelaide is two streets away from a sensational artisan bakery, so follow your nose each morning for fresh, delicious bread and breakfast pastries! Crêperies, pizzerias and gelaterias are also nearby, along with another essential visit for an Ile de Ré holiday – cycle hire outlets.

It’s de rigueur for locals and visitors alike to get around this magical island on two wheels, first time visitors are always surprised at the car-to-bike ratio; they’re used to being entirely inverted! You’ll find easy rental options for all kinds of cycles, with road bikes, E-Bikes and even beach cruisers available to hire.

As well as cycling, watersports, and boating are key elements of the outdoor culture of Ré. Beach lovers simply could not be better catered for, with every aspect of a great day at the seaside available – all under ten minutes from your door at Villa Adelaide.

The fine sands of Plage des Grenettes extend into a wide crescent, set against a backdrop of tall pine trees. You’ll never tire of the coastal walks in this region, with varied landscapes and the occasional jaw-dropping surprise, such as the incredible view from Grenettes of the neighbouring island of Oléron.

The indoor food market at Plage des Gollandières is perfect for gathering picnic supplies, with the beach being very popular with families – as well as having watersports on offer for older children, parents of little paddlers will appreciate the gentle slope from the beach into the ocean. Widely considered the island’s main watersports beach, sailing clubs offer equipment hire and surfing lessons at Plage de Gros Jonc. There are opportunities to head out a little further on the waves too, with cruises across to Oléron, fishing excursions and even thrilling speedboat rides.

The rocky foreshore at Plage du Petit Sergent tends to divert swimmers to neighbouring resorts instead – this lush sandy beach is one for the sunbathers!

If you fancy a change from the beaches, how about a shopping and sightseeing trip around the island’s ‘capital’ of Saint Martin? After a fifteen-minute bike ride, you can explore luxury boutiques, Michelin-starred restaurants and beautifully preserved architecture dating as far back as the seventeenth century, and keep an eye out on the way for the famous donkeys, who wander around happily wearing trousers – you’ll even find stores and market stalls with soaps made with donkey milk! Head to the harbour and join a day cruise, or enjoy the spectacular views from the church terrace, then refuel with delicious ice creams and crêpes on the quayside.

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.