What to do in Ile de Re

Visitors often ask what to do in Ile de Re. Off the French coast by La Rochelle (Charente-Maritime), Ile de Ré (pop. 12,000) is a narrow flat island 30 kilometres long. Of all the Charentais islands, Ré is undoubtedly the most popular. Which makes it the premier French weekend and holiday destination. Attracted by the island’s beauty, many artists, writers and painters bought salt-workers’ and fishermen’s houses in the 1960s. After which, the island started becoming fashionable, a trend which has lasted to present day. The beauty of Ile de Ré is that bridges the gap between chic yet authentically charming. With white lime-washed, shuttered houses and narrow streets full of flowers and cobbles.

In the north, the Fier d’Ars-en-Ré is a patchwork of mudflats and salt marshes which is a great cycle ride. During this ride, you can find every kind of wader and bird of prey. The flat-bottomed boats, rakes of the salt-gatherers, oyster beds and scent of moorland give Ile de Ré a romanticism without equal.

The island agriculture is will know for its grapes, oysters, potatoes and salt. All these frarms can all be seen as you cycle around the island. With the salt farms and oyster farms quite easy to find as you cycle around. You can buy direct from many of them or find the product in the local farmers markets. Have a look at activities to see other ideas of what to do in ile de re

St Martin

There are many things to do in St Martin de Re, the picture-postcard-pretty capital of the island. Its 17th century citadel and ramparts were built by Vauban, the architect to Louis XIV. He did this to protect the town from repeated attacks by the Dutch and English.

The quayside has many cafes, bistros and brasseries to enjoy oysters, and assorted fruits de mer. It’s perfect for a meal washed down with a glass of local wine as watching the world go by.

As the island’s capital it is the perfect base from which to explore. In the middle of the island it’s easy to visit all 10 towns on the island with pedal power. Yet, there are also plenty of facilities within the town for those changeable days. Also, those lazy days where you just want to go to a local market and stock up.

All 10 towns on the island are worth exploring. La Flotte has a superb medieval market and harbour, Ars has a great market and some great scenery. St Marie is perfect for rock pooling. The lighthouses at St Clement are worth a visit, perhaps via the salt marshes. The beaches in La Noue are of the perfect sandy variety and kids love the waves. The watersports centre is a short ride from St Martin (sailing, windsurfing). At other locations, Horseriding, tennis or even golfing are all readily available. With all the natural open terrain of vineyards, forests, salt marshes, oyster farms, the island remains a delight to explore.

We believe, whatever your situation, you cannot fail to have an enjoyable holiday in Maison Fleurie. Meaning there is something for everyone. It is a haven and inspiration for artists, writers, cyclists, walkers, birdwatchers, gourmets, explorers, fishermen and sailors.

Beaches and Bikes

There are many Beaches of Ile de Re. Firstly, close to the house there is the excellent La Cible beach, with its super restaurant, a must visit place. Secondly, there is the beaches of the southern part of the island. There is varied terrain but the beaches around La Courade are my favourites. Thirdly, there are the beaches of Les Portes and La Patache, which have the finest sand.

The waters around Ile de Ré are loved by all watersports enthusiasts – windsurfers, yachtsmen, rock poolers, boogie boarders and sailors. With the Atlantic Ocean being calmer than other areas on the French mainland, bathing is relatively safe.

The island is famous for its beautiful bike rides with lots of bike hire shops. Young or old alike can hire a bike to see the best of the island. It is by far the easiest and healthiest way to travel. There are over 60 miles of cycle paths linking all the main villages and beaches. The island is exceptionally flat, so hard work is kept to a minimum! Its also pretty easy to hire bikes for all abilities with child seats, tag-a-longs or chariots for the young. Also, electric bikes for a bit of assistance, meaning everyone can access the beaches of Ile de Re.

Most of bike routes are dedicated to cyclists but shared with cars in the towns.

Family Holidays

Family holidays dont get any better than this. There is plenty to do in a week or two, enjoy the pool if things get to hot or to cool down after a family cycle ride. Enjoy local water sports, tennis and golf. Get ready for the family barbeque and habitual table tennis championship.

Whilst Maison Fleurie is on one level, the few steps in and around the house have fences and gates so that these areas should be safe for supervised children. Slumber the baby in a travel cot and feed the little darling in a high chair both available on request.

A wide selction of DVDs, books and games will keep children amused whatever the weather on their family holidays.

Activities

Holidays Ile de Re mean exploring. And, all 10 towns on the island are worth exploring. Firstly, La Flotte has a superb medieval market and harbour. Secondly, Ars has a great market and some great scenery. Thirdly, St Marie is perfect for rock pooling. Fourthly, the lighthouses at St Clement are worth a visit, perhaps via the salt marshes. Fifthly, the beaches in La Noue are of the perfect sandy variety and kids love the waves. Sixthly, the watersports centre is a short ride from St Martin (sailing, windsurfing…). Seventhly, horseriding, tennis or even golfing are all readily available. Therefore, with natural open spaces like vineyards, forests, salt marshes, oyster farms and beaches. The island remains unspoilt and a delight to explore.

We believe, whatever your situation, you cannot fail to have an enjoyable holidays Ile de Re style at Maison Fleurie. There really is something for everyone. It is a haven and inspiration for artists, writers, cyclists, walkers, birdwatchers, gourmets, explorers, fishermen and sailors.