Ile de Ré is often described as the French equivalent of the Hamptons — but with better food, less pretension, and 2,800 hours of sunshine a year. Connected to La Rochelle by an elegant bridge, this 30 km island on France’s Atlantic coast has been a favourite of discerning French families for decades. British visitors are now discovering what the French have known all along.
Beaches
The island has dozens of beaches, each with its own character. Montamer beach in Sainte-Marie-de-Ré is one of the best for families: wide, sandy, lifeguarded in summer, with gentle slopes perfect for young children. At low tide, the rock pools are full of crabs and shells. For something wilder, head to the Conche des Baleines at the island’s northern tip — a vast stretch of sand backed by ancient pine forests.
Cycling
This is the number one activity on Ile de Ré. With over 100 km of dedicated, flat cycle paths, the island is a cyclist’s paradise. Routes wind through pine forests, alongside salt marshes, through vineyards and into picture-perfect villages. You don’t need to be fit — the paths are flat and traffic-free, making them perfect for families with children. Bikes can be hired everywhere, and if you stay at 8 Montamer, bikes are included.
Markets & Food
Every village has its market, and the morning market run is an essential Ile de Ré ritual. The Sainte-Marie-de-Ré market (200m from 8 Montamer) offers fresh seafood, local goat’s cheese, seasonal fruit and hand-harvested fleur de sel. For something larger, the markets in La Flotte and Saint-Martin are unmissable.
Don’t leave without trying oysters from a local producer — you sit at a simple wooden table by the water, order a dozen oysters and a bottle of cold white wine, and wonder why you ever bothered with expensive restaurants.
Heritage & Culture
Saint-Martin-de-Ré is the island’s jewel — a UNESCO World Heritage site with a spectacular Vauban citadel, a lively harbour lined with cafés, and narrow cobbled streets full of artisan shops and galleries. It feels like stepping into a film set.
La Flotte-en-Ré is officially one of France’s “Most Beautiful Villages”, with a medieval harbour and a wonderfully unhurried atmosphere. The ruins of the Abbaye des Châteliers, a 12th-century Cistercian abbey surrounded by vines, are hauntingly beautiful.
Phare des Baleines
At the island’s northwestern tip, the Phare des Baleines (Lighthouse of the Whales) stands 57 metres tall. Climb the 257 steps for a breathtaking panoramic view over the Atlantic and the island’s wild northern coast. The surrounding area is perfect for a long beach walk and lunch at one of the casual restaurants nearby.
Salt Marshes
Between the villages of Loix and Ars-en-Ré, the landscape opens into vast salt marshes where sauniers (salt workers) harvest fleur de sel by hand using techniques unchanged for centuries. You can take a guided tour, watch the harvest, and buy the freshest salt you’ll ever taste directly from the source.
Where to Stay
For the best Ile de Ré experience, stay in a village rather than an isolated rental. 8 Montamer in Sainte-Marie-de-Ré is a beautifully renovated village house sleeping 12 guests with a heated pool, garden, and the beach just 5 minutes away on foot. It’s the perfect base for exploring everything the island has to offer.
Getting There from the UK
By air: Direct flights to La Rochelle from London Stansted, Bristol and Edinburgh (Ryanair/easyJet). The island is 30 minutes from the airport. By ferry: Brittany Ferries to Saint-Malo or Caen, then drive south through the Loire Valley. By train: Eurostar to Paris, TGV to La Rochelle (2h45), then 30 minutes by car.