Best things to do in Ile de Ré

If you’re craving a change of scenery, there’s no need to cross oceans or board long-haul flights to find a little slice of paradise. Simply follow the Atlantic coastline and set foot on France’s fourth largest island — the unmissable and utterly charming Île de Ré. Nestled just off the coast of Charente-Maritime, this idyllic island, affectionately nicknamed “Ré la Blanche” for the whitewashed façades of its traditional houses, easily rivals the country’s most sought-after coastal destinations.

Boasting over 2,100 hours of sunshine per year, Île de Ré enjoys a wonderfully mild, almost Mediterranean climate that makes it a perfect year-round destination. In spring, the air fills with the delicate fragrance of wildflowers and hollyhocks lining the narrow lanes, while in summer, salty sea breezes mingle with the fresh scents of pine and eucalyptus, creating an atmosphere that is at once invigorating and serene.

From pristine beaches where the ever-changing Atlantic reflects the moods of the sky, to salt marshes that shift in color from soft pink to silvery blue as the light changes, the island offers a mosaic of preserved, natural landscapes. These iconic salt marshes are more than a postcard-perfect backdrop — they’re still harvested by passionate local salt workers who, using time-honored methods, carefully gather the delicate fleur de sel that graces tables across the region and beyond.

Modest in size — covering just 85 km² — Île de Ré is compact enough to explore over a long weekend, yet rich and captivating enough to fill several weeks without ever running out of discoveries. Every turn reveals something new: a hidden cove, a sleepy fishing port, a centuries-old lighthouse or a forest alive with seabirds. This delightful variety is what makes the island so appealing — a place of both tranquility and adventure.

For those who love the outdoors, the island is a natural playground. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a laid-back holidaymaker, it’s impossible to resist the call of the ocean. Surf the waves at Gros Jonc beach, paddleboard around the serene harbors, try kite-surfing off Les Grenettes, or set sail on a catamaran from Rivedoux-Plage — the island offers a myriad of ways to embrace the water. Even today, at low tide, children in the village of Loix can be seen clam-digging barefoot in the mud, continuing traditions passed down through generations.

Back on land, cycling is simply the best way to discover the island. With nearly 140 kilometers of well-maintained bike paths, Île de Ré is made for leisurely rides. The locals themselves prefer getting around on two wheels, allowing you to glide through flower-filled villages, along wild beaches and between shimmering salt marshes at your own pace. Bike rentals are abundant, and it’s not unusual to see whole families, wicker baskets dangling from handlebars, returning from the markets of La Flotte or the covered halls of Saint-Martin-de-Ré, loaded with Charentais melons and the famed “Île de Ré AOP” new potatoes — the first in France to receive this official label of excellence.

As for downtime, boredom is simply not on the menu. Beyond water sports and bike rides, the island is brimming with narrow cobbled streets and flower-filled lanes, where hollyhocks proudly climb the whitewashed walls. These charming alleyways often lead to delightful surprises — a local craft shop, an artisanal jam maker with intriguing flavors like fig-apricot, lavender-apple or salted butter caramel, or a quaint little bistro where you can sip a glass of Pineau des Charentes, the region’s signature aperitif.

A stay on the island wouldn’t be complete without visiting its ten unique villages, each with its own charm and character. Once thriving fishing, salt-harvesting and trading communities, these villages have managed to preserve their authenticity and identity. From Saint-Martin-de-Ré, with its lively harbor and UNESCO-listed fortifications, to Ars-en-Ré and its iconic black-and-white church spire, once a vital landmark for sailors, and La Couarde-sur-Mer, known for its family-friendly beaches and open-air summer concerts — every corner of the island offers a different face. Even the more remote Les Portes-en-Ré, at the island’s northern tip, hides its own treasures: secret beaches, bustling farmers’ markets and privileged access to the Lilleau des Niges nature reserve, a paradise for birdwatchers.

Île de Ré is, in every sense, an invitation to slow down, savor the moment and reconnect with nature. Here, you can live by the rhythm of the tides, linger over endless summer evenings as the sun sets behind the salt marshes, and let the gentle lapping of boats in the harbor lull you into a state of complete contentment.