Villa Caligo

Les Portes-en-Ré is located in the north-west of the island, just over half an hour from the 3km-long toll bridge that connects the city of La Rochelle on the mainland with Ile de Ré. It’s a superb spot for relaxing holidays with family or friends who love vast sandy beaches, wonderful food, spectacular natural scenery and cycling.

Villa Caligo enjoys a very convenient setting in a central residential area just a few minutes walk from the little shops and restaurants. Just wander up the road and you will be in the heart of Les Portes-en-Ré with its boulangerie, cafes, butchers and other pretty shops as well as the central square where a market takes place every morning in the height of the summer. There is also a small supermarket just a short walk away. As you explore the surrounding lanes, admire the charming houses, colourful flowers and authentic charm of this picturesque village.

The coastline is also nearby, around ten minutes by foot, where you will find a magnificent sandy beach and watersports centre with sea-kayaking, wind-surfing and more. Continue walking further down the coast until you reach the equally magnificent Plage de la Loge (1.5km) and Plage de Trousse-Chemise (3km). Near the southern-end there’s a seafood restaurant with amazing views or continue towards the salt marshes and you will come across the little hut that sells the well-known Trousse Chemise oysters.

The Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve can also be visited by bike or foot – a paradise for wildlife lovers as you spot migrating birds across the salt marshes and wetland. Another superb place to cycle to is the long beach at Conche des Baleines, just beyond the pine forest. Surfers can often be found riding the waves and it’s also the home to the 19th century lighthouse, Phare des Baleines with its museum and tower. Climb to the top and be rewarded with outstanding views of the island and beyond.

The lovely village of Ars-en-Ré (8km) is also a must to visit, it’s one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ with good reason – market day (twice weekly) is a particular delight. La Flotte (28km) also has a wonderful old market and pretty architecture whilst the island’s main town Saint-Martin-de-Ré is well loved for its history, charming harbour and annual jazz festival in August.

Back on the mainland, the city of La Rochelle, also known as ‘La Ville Blanche’, is a great day out with its limestone architecture, bustling markets and historic sights.

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.