Villa De La Boumediene

Just five minutes away is a gorgeous sandy beach where you can hire watersports equipment in the summer and take to the superb Atlantic waves. Beginners can take surfing lessons twice daily – do book ahead online – there are also motorboat rides and fishing excursions available, as well as the simple delight of coastal walks and cycle rides on this gorgeous coastline.

Ile de Ré may be small – you can cycle from one end to the other in just two hours – but is certainly anything but restrictive. With more than sixty miles of cycle paths that wind through a gorgeous landscape of vineyards, salt marshes and exceptionally pretty villages, cycling really is the most enriching way to explore Ile de Ré. Just over ten minutes away by bike from Villa De La Boumédiène is the iconic Phare des Baleines lighthouse. Those with a head for heights will enjoy a grand panorama from the top of the lighthouse, with phenomenal views across Portes en Ré, and as far south as Ile d'Oléron.

An absolute must-visit for the seafood connoisseur, La Ferme des Baleines oyster farm is just ten minutes away by bike. This thirty-five-hectare farm is perhaps the finest example of the island’s aquaculture, producing incredible clear oysters, clams, gilthead sea bream and imperial prawns, as well as glass wort and sea lettuce. Tours with oyster and wine tasting can be booked online from April until the end of October.

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.