Villa Ombrelle

Situated on the north western side right next to the beach and just a close distance to the island’s salt marshes, Villa Ombrelle enjoys an idyllic location on Île de Ré set to be loved by beach-combing wanderers who want to enjoy all the benefits of island living.

The island is home to several beaches reputed to be among the most alluring in the Atlantic – set to keep the sea-seeking and sandy-footed visitors coming back.  Right next to Plage de la Loge, there’s the far-stretching Plage de l'Anse du Fourneau great for swimming even a low tide, and a bit further away, the quaint Plage de Trousse-Chemise features a small sandy expanse, clear waters and a lush surrounding forest if you need to escape the heat. The island is fairly small and so easily discoverable by foot, but hiring a bike is highly encouraged.

Cycle along the shores all the way to Phare des Baleines (20 minutes), a stunning lighthouse built from limestone in the mid-1850s with an octagonal tower open to visitors offering panoramic views. Whenever you get hungry, you can walk to the lovely restaurant right next to the beach facing the sea for a romantic meal with nothing but the sound of the ocean around. 

Loix is just a 20-minute drive away, while Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré is also nearby and has flower-filled lanes and a market where stallholders come together to showcase artisanal products, fresh fish and vegetables every week. Others worth visiting include La Flotte, Sainte-Marie-de-Ré and Saint-Martin-de-Ré, a UNESCO World Heritage site port town fringed by star-shaped, 17th-century ramparts, with a huge, preserved citadel on the eastern side. Swap the barefoot island life for a bit of hustle and bustle by visiting La Rochelle – a coastal city in southwestern France and capital of the Charente-Maritime department. In the old town, you can walk around and admire the half-timbered medieval houses and Renaissance architecture, including passageways covered by 17th-century arches.

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.