Île de Ré, France

Île de Ré

A flat island of salt marshes, white villages and cycle paths.

  • Apr–Oct
  • 2 nights
Explore on the map
Nearby hidden places
La RochelleFrance · CityLa Rochelle21 kmNantesFrance · CityNantes114 kmBordeauxFrance · CityBordeaux165 kmDune du PilatFrance · Nature spotDune du Pilat180 kmBelle-Île-en-MerFrance · Nature spotBelle-Île-en-Mer184 kmVannesFrance · Hidden townVannes191 kmRennesFrance · CityRennes214 kmAmboiseFrance · Hidden townAmboise227 km

Things to do

2 days in Île de Ré

Day 1

  1. MorningRent a bike and cycle through the salt marshes towards Ars-en-Ré.
  2. AfternoonClimb the Phare des Baleines lighthouse for the view over the ocean.
  3. EveningHave dinner in the harbour of Saint-Martin-de-Ré inside its star-shaped walls.

Day 2

Spend a beach day at Les Prises, or visit La Rochelle across the bridge.

What to eat

Oysters, Île de Ré potatoes and fleur de sel from the salt pans.

Local tips

Make the most of Île de Ré

Beat the crowds

July and August are very busy. Spring and September are much calmer.

Best photo spot

The white houses with green shutters in Ars-en-Ré, and the Baleines lighthouse.

Getting there

A toll bridge links the island to La Rochelle. Buses run from La Rochelle.

Don't miss nearby

La Rochelle's old harbour.

Good to know

The island is flat and has over 100 km of cycle paths; a bike is the best way around.

Plan your visit

Getting to Île de Ré

Getting there

  • La Rochelle Airport (LRH)18 km away
  • Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE)105 km away
  • La Rochelle20 km away
  • Nantes115 km away

Reachable by car or public transport; a car gives you more freedom to explore the area. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeApr–Oct
TypeNature spot
Good forNature, Coast
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay2 nights
CountryFrance

Questions

Île de Ré: good to know

Is Île de Ré worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like nature and the coast. A flat island of salt marshes, white villages and cycle paths.

How many days do you need in Île de Ré?

Plan 2 nights. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Île de Ré?

The best time to visit is Apr to Oct. July and August are very busy. Spring and September are much calmer.

How do you get to Île de Ré?

The nearest airport is La Rochelle Airport (LRH), about 18 km away. A toll bridge links the island to La Rochelle. Buses run from La Rochelle.

What is there to see near Île de Ré?

Nearby hidden places include La Rochelle (21 km), Nantes (114 km) and Bordeaux (165 km).

More hidden places in France (72)