Planning a group holiday in France? Ile de Ré is one of the best-kept secrets on the Atlantic coast — and finding a large house that sleeps 10 or more can make all the difference between a good holiday and an unforgettable one.
Why Ile de Ré is Perfect for Group Holidays
While the Côte d’Azur gets all the attention, Ile de Ré offers something quite different: wide sandy beaches, 100 km of flat cycling paths, fresh oysters straight from the producer, and a relaxed pace of life that feels a world away from the tourist crowds. It’s the kind of place where everyone in the group can do their own thing — morning yoga on the beach, a bike ride to the lighthouse, or simply lounging by the pool — and come together for long, lazy dinners under the stars.
Why One Large House Beats Several Small Rentals
When you’re travelling as a group of 8, 10 or 12, splitting into separate apartments means you’re never truly together. Different check-in times, different locations, no shared space for meals. A large house changes everything: shared breakfasts in a proper kitchen, evenings in the garden, kids playing together while the adults relax. It’s also significantly cheaper per person than booking multiple smaller properties.
Getting to Ile de Ré from the UK
It’s easier than you think. Ryanair and easyJet fly direct to La Rochelle from London Stansted, Bristol and Edinburgh. From the airport, it’s just 30 minutes by car across the elegant bridge to the island. Alternatively, take the ferry to Saint-Malo or Caen and drive south — a scenic road trip through the Loire Valley.
Things to Do as a Group
Cycle the island — with over 100 km of dedicated cycle paths, you can ride from village to village through pine forests, salt marshes and vineyards. Bikes are provided at the house.
Oyster tasting — visit a local oyster farmer in La Flotte and taste the famous Ile de Ré oysters with your feet in the water and a glass of cold white wine.
Saint-Martin-de-Ré — the island’s capital is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a stunning Vauban citadel, harbour cafés and artisan shops.
Phare des Baleines — climb 257 steps for a breathtaking 360° view of the Atlantic. A must-do for everyone in the group.
8 Montamer: The Ideal Group Holiday Home
8 Montamer in Sainte-Marie-de-Ré sleeps 12 guests in 6 bedrooms with 4 bathrooms. The house has a heated private pool, a walled garden for evening barbecues, and bikes for everyone. The beach is a 5-minute walk, the village market is 200 metres away, and you genuinely don’t need a car once you arrive.
Rated 5/5 on Airbnb, it’s the perfect base for a multi-family holiday or a week with friends. Book early for summer — large houses on Ile de Ré go fast.
Practical Tips
Best time to visit: June and September offer warm weather with fewer crowds. July and August are busiest but the island handles it well. Budget: Split between 8-12 people, the cost per head is very reasonable — use Splitwise or a shared pot for groceries and meals out. Book early: Large properties get snapped up months in advance, especially for school holidays.