Have you ever heard of the French island of Ile de Re? No? I haven’t for a long time either. Until 2016, the only thing I knew about France was Paris, which I had visited many times, and several ski resorts in the French Alps, where we went on skiing trips with my family for ten years in a row. I admit, for a long time I didn’t even know that France had so many islands. Until Charlie, who is originally from the island of Ile de Re, came into my life (again). The fact that he was living on an island sounded terribly attractive to me already when I first met him back in 2007. Many years later it was love at first sight with this small, 30 km long and only 5 km wide island with plenty sandy beaches and houses with white facades and pastel shutters, where many wealthy Parisians have weekend residences, where there is no shortage of sun and fragrant pine trees, where we stuff ourselves with delicious oysters, breathe in the fresh sea air and where donkeys walk around in pajamas. I kid you not. It is truly a unique place. And after all the visits over the past seven years, the love still lasts. So in this blog post, I am presenting you this French gem as good as I can and give you an insight of our life during visits to our second home.
The island, famous for its MANY SUNNY DAYS A YEAR, beautiful fragrant PINE FORESTS, SALT PANTS, wild SANDY BEACHES, delicious OYSTERS, charming small towns, CYCLING TRAILS and more, is expectedly most visited in the summer months, so I recommend visiting in May or September to avoid teh crowds. There are a lot of CAMPSITES and SMALL HOTELS for you to stay at, as well as a whole bunch of private ROOMS AND APARTMENTS. Here you can EAT WELL, shop in cute boutiques, recharge your batteries and relax in the fresh air, or you can of course be more active and CYCLE, SWIM, KITE and SURF. Read more on what you can do, see and experience here in the following paragraphs.
HOW TO REACH ILE DE RE | travel connections and known French places nearby
Since 1987, Ile de Re has been connected to LA ROCHELLE on the coast of continental France by a toll BRIDGE. Locals have special permits, otherwise it currently costs 16 euros in the summer season and 8 euros in the winter (both ways) to cross over to the island. The nearest AIRPORT is located in La Rochelle, but the connections are a bit limited. Of the international connections, the most flights are from the UK and Ireland, there are also connections from Belgium, Portugal, Morocco and Switzerland. We usually fly to NANTES, which is a 2-hour drive away, with Volotea from Venice or with HOP from Ljubljana via Paris. You can also fly to BORDEAUX, which is a two-hour drive away as well. Ile de Re is easiest to visit as part of a ROAD TRIP through this part of France. Nearby is the island of ILE D’OLERON, which is also connected to the mainland by a bridge, the miniature island ILE D’AIX, which is really something special, but is only accessible by ferry, and MONTALIVET, where the famous Slovenian surf school is located, is also quite close. A good hour’s drive will take you to the town of COGNAC, where you can learn about the production of the famous alcoholic beverage. From PARIS, you can easily get to La Rochelle by high-speed train in about three hours.
BY CAR FROM SLOVENIA, it is approximately 1700km or 17 hours to get to the island of Ile de Re. We drove there twice from our previous home in Germany at the time, once we combined the visit with a road trip through Normandy and Brittany, and once we drove from Slovenia. Mila first visited the island when she was three months old, when we traveled by car, and Leo also exactly at three months old, on his first flight. Both of them were here during my pregnancy. Lu has also visited the island twice.
ACTIVITIES ON ILE DE RE | (kite)surfing, cycling, sightseeing, culinary adventures and more
CYCLING ON ILE DE RE
Because the island is completely flat, CYCLING is a popular activity for visitors of all ages, as well as locals. During the high season, it is often difficult to park your car in city centers, and even the parking lots at the beaches are often full, so many people choose to RENT A BIKE (there are plenty providers), or bring their own. There are about 100km OF TRAILS made all over the island, most of which run on their own paths in the countryside and not along the main roads.
However, there are so many people cycling on the roads in the summer months, so it is really important to be careful when driving. Wherever you stay, you will not be too far from cycling routes, which are really well marked, but for me the most beautiful area for cycling is definitely the wild landscape in the LILLEAU DES NIGES nature reserve near Ars-en-Re.
WATER SPORTS ON ILE DE RE
Since we are on an island, besides recreational cycling, the most popular are of course various WATER SPORTS. Due to the favorable wind, Ile de Re is popular with KITESURFERS, who, together with WINDSURFERERS, come to their senses on the beaches of Gros Jonc, Rivedoux, Sablanceaux and Pointe du Groin. If you are a SURFER, go to Rivedoux, Les La Pergola, Grignon, Diamond Head, Le Petit Bec or Pointe de Lizay. Beginners are well catered for on Ile de Re in the numerous SURF SCHOOLS, where they offer courses, also for children. For SUP enthusiasts, I recommend the beaches in Le Bois Plage, where equipment can also be rented.
Of course, we also SWIM here in the warmer months. The sea is warmest towards the end of summer, and then it depends on the weather and the season. Even in mid-October it can still be moderate, for me personally the best time for swimming is September. In spring the water is generally still quite cold. The most beautiful beach for swimming in my opinion is without a doubt the PLAGE DES GOLLANDIERES beach and other beaches near Le Bois Plage. But don’t forget, there is a STRONG TIDE on the island, so the beaches can look completely different at different times of the day. The tides alternate every 6 hours, so pay attention to this.
OYSTERS AND FOOD ON ILE DE RE
Do you like seafood, especially mussels and oysters? Then Ile de Re is your paradise destination. Oysters are particularly popular, which of course can be found here at a much lower price than in many other places. In restaurants and at the market, OYSTERS are ordered in sets of 6, 12, or 24. Oysters are classified according to their size – number 5 being the smallest, number 0 is the largest. Numbers 4 and 5 are more concave in shape, and numbers 1 and 0 are flatter. If you don’t know what to choose, take number 3, which is something in between. Oysters are best in the months that contain the letter “r”, that is, in winter. Of course, they are also eaten in the summer months, but they have a different taste and texture.
Oysters are traditionally eaten raw, possibly with a splash of lemon juice. And yes, champagne is often drunk with it, or at least white wine. Of course, there are a whole range of variations – some serve them with a mixture of chopped shallots and vinegar, some squirt a shot of gin into the oyster, some sprinkle them with cheese, breadcrumbs or spices and bake them in the oven. Oysters can also be chopped and used in sauces, for a more iodized taste. A special knife with a short and sharp blade is used to open oysters. In addition to oysters, it is easy to get good SCALLOPS, which are best eaten raw here. Also popular are different MUSSELS, which are often prepared with white wine. You can also get shrimp, prawns and lobsters – the latter are usually served cold, with homemade mayonnaise.
And yes, if you are too late and the markets and shops are closed, but you are craving oysters, you can drive towards Ars-en-Re where there is an actual OYSTER VENDING MACHINE waiting for you along the main road. Here oysters are packaged in various sizes, and you can also grab a few other culinary delicacies, such as French pâtés for example.
Ile de Re is also famous for its salt production, with a large area of sal pans in the NW of the island. The valuable SALT FLOWER is particularly famous, every time we visit here by car we bring larger quantities home because we really like to use it in cooking or serving dishes. You can also buy salt flower from Ile de Re in LeClerc shops in Slovenia, but at a slightly higher price. Another salty specialty is pickled SALICORN succulent plants. They also grow ALGAE on Ile de Re, which is used in cooking and cosmetics. Here’s another collage to give you a feel for what we usually eat at home besides oysters, mussels and shrimps.
Another thing I love about Ile de Re are the BAKERIES. French bakeries are the best, aren’t they? I’m not a big fan of breakfast and usually have a coffee or two and then it’s at least two hours before I eat anything, but here I’m tempted by all these delicacies. My favorites are the traditional Pain au chocolat, Brioche and Pain Suisse au chocolat. Then there’s a whole range of pastries and cakes, I try something new every time. And of course fresh baguettes, which are good the next day and aren’t as hard as a rock like here.
In France, we usually cook a lot at home, but we also eat out quite often. It is worth noting that the French start their day with breakfast, later than what I am used to in Slovenia, they eat lunch somewhere between 12 and 1 pm, and dinner around 8, 9 pm. Restaurants are closed between lunch and dinner without exception. In between, at home, around 4 pm, there is the so-called Le Gouter, which is usually something sweet or a little something that helps you get through those long eight hours without food between the main meals. I admit, it always takes me a couple of days to get used to this rhythm, because I lived most of my life eating only one hot cooked meal a day and not two.
BEACH PICNIC
I don’t know if it’s just me who’s so crazy about these beach picnics, but every time we visit the island, I start to think about grabbing a tray of oysters, a bottle of wine or some cold beers, cheese and fresh bread and hitting the beach, preferably at sunset time. Since we have children, this has been a little harder to pull off, but we still manage to do it from time to time. The sound of the sea and that very special light and silence really fill my soul. And there are so many ideal beaches for picnics here.
SAILING ON ILE DE RE
If you happen to be SAILING along the French Atlantic coast, there are several marinas on the Ile de Re for you to stop by. A good starting point for exploring is the marina in SAINT-MARTIN DE RE, but those in ARS-EN-RE and LA FLOTTE are also popular. For safety reasons, the marinas are mostly on the north side of the island, which is less exposed to the weather.
SUNSETS ON ILE DE RE
Another thing that fills me with energy are sunsets. I’m a morning person and getting up early is not a problem for me, but on “our” side of the island, sunsets are even more beautiful to see. And the winter ones are especially magical! But you know, we are so much further west and even in winter the sun sets later than in Slovenia. I usually manage to take a walk on the beach just before dinner, luckily this idyll is only a few minutes walk from home. And in the off season there is usually not a soul around.
ARCHITECTURE ON ILE DE RE
As soon as you arrive on the island, you will notice how visually harmonious all the houses are. By law they must have white facades and roofs in orange-red shades, the characteristic (usually wooden) shutters can be white, gray, black, green or blue. Of course, in different shades and hues, but everything together works really harmoniously. The entrance and garage doors are also of these colors, while most houses have high walls around the gardens. In addition, there is no high-rise construction on the island,, many streets in the cities are paved, everything is neat and attractive.
DONKEYS IN PAJAMS ON ILE DE RE
Even if you don’t see any donkeys in person during your visit to the island, they will accompany you almost everywhere you go – on postcards, tourist brochures, magnets and other souvenirs. Donkeys are of historical importance here and over the years they have become the mascot of Ile de Re. They were once indispensable in cultivating the land and because they often worked or helped with work on the salt pans, where there were more flies and mosquitoes, housewives in the old days liked to dress them in old worn-out men’s shirts and pajamas. The fabric protected them from insects and the scorching sun.
Nowadays, donkeys are no longer used for such work due to mechanization, but they have become a symbol of the island. You can often see them in the PARK LA BARBETTE in SAINT-MARTIN-DE-RE. You can also buy various DONKEY MILK PRODUCTS on the island, the most popular being hard soaps and other cosmetic products.
Now that you know we like to eat well, cycle, enjoy the sea and watch dreamy sunset here on Ile de Res, I will introduce you to individual places, beaches, attractions and more. Let’s go in order, from east to west, just as you drive across the bridge. You’ll see, the island is relatively small, but there is a lot to see and do.
SABLANCEAUX | first beach after the bridge
From the bridge you can already see long sandy beaches on both sides of the island, the one on your right, that is, on the north side, is ideal for KITESURFING, as there is often a favorable wind there, while the one on the left, that is, on the south, is better for SWIMMING and SURFING. This area is also great for walking. For a light snack and a drink, stop at the beach bar or restaurant La Plage or L’Embarcadere. Those interested in history can also visit the abandoned SABLANCEAUX FORTRESS.
We don’t go to this beach very often, to be honest, we mostly visit that beach bar, but every time we’ve visited the island by car, I had to stop immediately at this beach and “greet the sea” with my bare feet on the sand.
RIVEDOUX-PLAGE | long sandy beach ideal for water sports
RIVEDOUX is the first major town on the island, which is here geographically quite narrow. As a result, the town has two beaches, which are kind of an extension of the aforementioned Sablanceaux, one to the north and one to the south. To discover the island, we can decide either to take the ROAD ON THE NORTH SIDE (which leads to the village of LES GOGUETTES and LA FLOTTE), or the ROAD ON THE SOUTH SIDE (which leads to the town of SAINTE-MARIE-DE-RE).
Otherwise, there are many walking and cycling trails in Rivedoux and the surrounding area, as well as an excellent larger CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND between the main southern road and the beach.
ABBAYE DES CHATELIERS | the oldest churchh on Ile de Re
As you drive from Rivedoux towards La Flotte, you can stop at this interesting 12th century CISTERIAN ABBEY, which was once considered one of the largest abbeys in central and western France. Unfortunately, it was badly damaged during different attacks in the war with England, and later part of its structure was also used to build fortresses nearby, so today only ruins remain, which nevertheless attract many visitors. You can visit it independently or as part of a guided tour organized by La Maison du Platin.
LA FLOTTE | interesting Medieval coastal town
We visit La Flotte many times, because our French (great) grandmother lives here. And La Flotte is a really cute little town and is one of the ones I know best on the island. The most photogenic part of the place is definitely the MARINA with the lighthouse, surrounded by several bars, restaurants, cafes and ice cream places. There is also a CAROUSEL here, which will be especially interesting for our kids.
What always attracts me here are the many beautiful BOUTIQUES AND SHOPS, which are really nice, selling quality, handmade things – from souvenirs, to shoes and clothes, accessories and home decorations, beach items and toys. Even though I’ve been trying to buy as little as possible for the last 10 years, and I’m pretty good at that, it’s really hard to resist here and I’ve already gone home several times in a new wool sweater, new espadrilles (by the way, mandatory equipment in these places), or some nice beachwear.
All ice cream lovers on Ile de Re simply have to treat themselves to a scoop or two at the most iconic ice cream parlors LA MARTINIERE, where in addition to the standard flavors they also offer some more exotic ones – one branch can also be found in La Flotte. In La Flotte, you must also visit the wonderful, partially covered MEDIEVAL MARKET from the 12th century. Although it is relatively small, it is interesting to walk through and buy some delicious cheese, dry French salami, a couple of oysters and a crispy baguette along the way. Well, even if you only come to shop with your eyes no one will blame you.
Well, La Flotte also has its own TOWN BEACH, located a little east of the marina. The PLAGE DE L’ARNERAULT beach is a longer stretch of sandy beach, just below the coastal promenade, and although it may be less attractive to some visitors than some others on the island, it is still quite nice here as it is less crowded.
The CHEMIN COTIER walking path takes you east to the abbey ruins mentioned above, while the PROMENADE DU BORD DE MER takes you west to the famous town of SAINT-MARTIN-DE-RE. Both run along the coast and are really pleasant for walking or cycling.
SAINTE-MARIE-EN-RE | our second home
If you take the southern road when you arrive on the island in Rivedoux, you will arrive in SAINTE-MARIE-DE-RE instead of La Flotte. Our home! It’s cute here. The town is a bit spread out, it doesn’t have a marina and it doesn’t have one big center, but several smaller ones. It’s ideal for us. It’s about a ten-minute leisurely walk to the sea. A minute to the first bakery. We also have a daily market, a fish shop, a nice café and several restaurants. Everything is within reach, so to speak, “around the corner”. And of course, a little further on, there’s a lot more, including shops, a post office and other infrastructure. Next to the school, we also have a whole bunch of PLAYGROUNDS (football, tennis, basketball), a skate park and a CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND.
It is interesting that the town did not develop right next to the coast, but is separated from the sea by a green belt a few hundred meters wide, where there are plenty VINEYARDS, among which we can walk or cycle along numerous macadam paths.
The sandy beach that belongs to Sainte-Marie-de-Re is soooo long and there are several paths leading to it. Also, each section of the beach has its own name, which is very convenient when you are thinking of going on a date with someone, otherwise it would be rather difficult to find each other. We are talking about a total of a few kilometers on which the beaches PLAGE DE MONTAMER, PLAGE DE L’EPI SAINT-SAUVEUR and PLAGE DE LA SALEE are located.
If I can, I’m on the beach every evening at sunset. That’s a really special time for me. That silence and those colors, soft sand under my feet and the wind in my hair. And I have hundreds of photos from those beaches, so it’s hard to choose, but I’m adding a few of my favorite ones below.
As I mentioned before, the island has a STRONG TIDE and on these beaches at low tide, numerous rocks and cliffs peek out of the sea, between which small pools of water form, and crabs, shells and others peek out onto the surface. Perhaps the beach is indeed less visually attractive at that time, but it is all the more interesting for that reason. Many locals COLLECT SHELLS here, not the empty ones, but the ones that they then cook for dinner. For children with a little adventurous spirit and nature lovers, low tide is truly something fantastic, but for those most enthusiastic swimmers, it is a little less so. Swimming on this beach is a difficult mission at that time.
LES GRENETTES | popular surf spot
This beautiful beach, which is also one of the most famous SURF SPOTS on the island, is located just a few kilometers west of Sainte-Marie-de-Re, on the outskirts of the village of LES GRENETTES. It is especially beautiful in the afternoon or at sunset.
LES BOIS-PLAGE-EN-RE | Gollandieres, Gros Jonc and other beaches
And we’ve come to some of my FAVORITE BEACHES, but first let me tell you something about the town of LE-BOIS-PLAGE-EN-RE itself. It is located on the south side of the island, about five kilometers west of our base in Sainte-Marie-de-Re and is one of the livelier towns on the entire island. Also due to the BIGGEST SEASONAL MARKET in the center of the town, around which there are several shops, boutiques, restaurants and cafes. Like every town on the island, Le-Bois-Plage also has a few CAMPSITES – if you are having a hard time deciding where to stay on the island, this combination of a lovely town, a beautiful beach, pine forests and a favorable geographical location in the middle of the island is a good choice.
Translated, the name of the place means forest and beach. And when you drive through the village, you immediately understand why. There are patches of pine forests everywhere on the island, but here they are especially abundant. There are several access points to the beach itself, and different sections have different names, even though it is essentially the same sand dune. I prefer to drive to the parking lot at the beginning of the panoramic wooden footbridge PASSARELLE DES GOLLANDIERES, which takes us past the tennis courts to the main entrance point to the beach PLAGE DES GOLLANDIERES, where there is also a beach bar, another parking lot and public toilets.
Despite the fact that it is really popular in the summer and you will not be alone there, I think this beach is also ideal for children, because the sea is generally quite calm, and swimming is also possible at low tide, as there are not so many rocks. Just be careful of the sun, because due to the constant breeze we often do not feel its true strength. Most visitors bring umbrellas, but otherwise, do not forget at least sunscreen. In the photo below, taken on this beach, we are with Mila when she was 3 months old (September 2021) on the left, and on the right with Leo when he was also 3 months old (April 2024).
A little further south is a part of the beach known as GROS JONC, which is just as idyllic as the one mentioned before, and is usually quieter. You can also find a surf school here.
SAINTE-MARTIN-DE-RE | Unesco heritage and the main town on the island
Approximately opposite Le-Bois-Plage-en-Re, on the north side of the island, there is probably the most know town on Ile de Re, SAINT-MARTIN-DE-RE. You can walk along the coast or cycle from La Flotte along the Promenade du Bord de mer. From this direction, you will first come across the famous WALLS OF THE VAUBAN CITADEL, and if you go a little further on through the BARBETTE PARK you reach LE PHARE ROUGE DE SAINT-MARTIN lighthouse.
A few more minutes of walking and you will arrive in the very center of the city, where there is an interesting MARINA – if you look at the map you will see that there is an island inside the marina, where we can find good CAFES and RESTAURANTS, which is connected to the mainland by two bridges. Around the island and in the channels between the island and the mainland there are moorings for sailboats and boats.
A wall is built around the marina along the sea, with park areas, walking paths and beautiful views. In Saint-Martin-de-Re there are several small FORTRESSES, WALLS AND CITY GATES, which are on the UNESCO heritage list.
While exploring the city, especially on a nice sunny day, you should not miss the climb up the 117 steps to the top of the VIEWPOINT CHURCH TOWER, from which you can see the walled city with its surroundings, some neighboring islands and the mainland. The views are also beautiful at sunset. This church has been demolished and rebuilt several times over the years, and on the way to the top you can also see 3 BELLS with a ringing mechanism.
Here, too, you can of course find a whole range of BOUTIQUES and SHOPS selling souvenirs, clothing and local products such as soaps, salt, pickled seafood specialties, salted caramel, donkey milk products, island wine, hand-knitted bags and home goods.
LA COUARDE-SUR-MER | the geographical center of Ile de Re
La Couarde-sur-Mer is geographically located in the middle of the island, so it is another great STARTING POINT FOR EXPLORING both the eastern and western parts of the island. This is especially good for those who like to cycle. Beach lovers will also come to their senses here, within about five kilometers you can enjoy the beaches of PLAGE DES PRISES, PLAGE DES PETITES FOLIES, PLAGE DES HOMMES, PLAGE DES ANNERIES and others. There is also an excellent surf spot here, namely the beach PLAGE DE LA PERGOLA.
SALT PANS | salt making on Ile de Re
North and west of La Couarde-sur-Mer, the island of Ile de Re is marked by SALT PANS. Salt has played an important role here since medieval times, when monks began salt production. In addition to the economic development of the island over time, salt production today also has an important historical tradition. The so-called LES SAUNIERS salt workers use a special technique in the salt marshes to collect the world-famous FLEUR DE SEL, which is an indispensable spice in French cuisine in this part of the country for many dishes, including desserts. Collecting the fleur de sel, this fine film of salt crystals that forms on the surface of the salt fields under favorable weather conditions, generally between June and September, is a delicate process that requires patience, and therefore also has its price.
In addition to salt production, salt pans are also an important ECOSYSTEM and a refuge for many MIGRATORY BIRDS and other living organisms. During the summer season, you can also visit the ECOMUSEE DU MARAIS SALANT salt pan museum near LOIX, where in addition to the museum premises, they also offer guided tours of the salt pans, a demonstration of the traditional picking of salt flowers and more.
LOIX | peninsula and a smaller town in the salt marshes
On the north side of the island, between the ocean on one side and the salt pans on the other, there is a peninsula with a smaller town of the same name, LOIX. If you want to stay in a quieter location, this is an excellent choice, you will be surrounded by beautiful nature, and in addition to ideal opportunities for walking and CYCLING, there are of course also sandy beaches – for example, those at POINTE DU GROUIN.
MARTRAY | the narrowest point on Ile de Re
At the narrowest part of the island, between La Couarde-sur-Mer and Ars-en-Re, there is a small sandy beach called LE MARTRAY, where there is also a small fortress. It is a nice place for a short stop, a jump in the sea or a quick walk, there is a small parking lot in the immediate vicinity of the beach.
ARS-EN-RE | one of the most picturesque villages in France
I recently read somewhere that this village at the end of the Ile de Re is ONE OF THE MOST PICTURESQUE VILLAGES IN FRANCE. I agree. Architecturally, it is very similar to other villages in the area, but it still has a special atmosphere, perhaps because French actors and other celebrities like to come here and enjoy the easy vibes. Since it is geographically located further from the bridge, there are also fewer tourists here and everything is usually much calmer.
Next to the small MARINA we find a few nice little bars, cafes and restaurants, and of course bakeries, shops and boutiques. Otherwise, in the immediate vicinity there are many WALKING and CYCLING PATHS through the beautiful surroundings of the NATURE RESERVE or the nearby beaches. In Ars-en-Re there is another architecturally interesting CHURCH, which is completely different from the others on the island.
POINTE DE GRIGNON | beach spots around Ars-en-Re
Very close to ARS-EN-RE, on the south-west coast of the island, there are two settlements, GRIGNON and LA GRANGE. POINTE DE GRIGNON is a nice spot to end the day at sunset if you are staying in this part of the island, but otherwise you can of course enjoy the beaches here during the day.
NATURE RESERVE LILEAU DES NIGES | cycling and walking between salt pans
In the western part of the island, near the towns of ARS-EN-RE and LES PORTES-EN-RE, in the heart of the salt marshes, there is a large area of NATURE RESERVE, where thousands of MIGRATORY BIRDS find their refuge every spring and autumn. Entrance to the reserve is free, you can get there on foot or by bike, which I especially recommend, as the entire area is quite large. The beautiful light is created in the late afternoon and around sunset, when this place is especially photogenic. It is also worth visiting the MAISON DU FIER, a museum of local natural heritage in an old salt warehouse with a souvenir shop.
PHARE DES BALEINS LIGHTHOUSE | museum and view platform
We have reached the westernmost point of the island, where there is a newer, 57m high LIGHTHOUSE, next to which there is an older, 29m high lighthouse from the 17th century. The latter also houses an interesting MUSEUM today. This is one of the most touristy spots on the island, but you should really not miss a visit despite the crowds. When you climb the 257 steps of the dizzying staircase, you will be greeted by magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean and other parts of the island, and with a little luck you may even spot a whale.




There is a large parking lot and several SHOPS selling souvenirs, RESTAURANTS, CAFES and ICE CREAM PARLOURS before entering the lighthouse area.
LES PORTES-EN-RE | smaller town surrounded with lovely beaches like Petit Bec and Trousse Chemise
The last place on our route around the island of Ile de Re, LES PORTES-EN-RE. This quiet village with charming streets lies on the north side of the NATURE RESERVE Lilleau des Niges and is therefore located in a truly beautiful natural environment. On the other side it is surrounded by beautiful wild beaches – if you are a surfer, then do not miss a visit to the beach PETIT BEC, which is reached by several paths through the pine forest, and there is also one of the island’s surf schools. The beach PLAGE DE TROUSSE CHEMISE, located in the south-east of the village, is interesting due to the long sand dune that peeks out of the sea at low tide.
What do you say, it’s a beautiful location, right? Now most of you are probably wondering just one more thing – why on earth don’t we live in this piece of paradise? We would feast on French delicacies every day, spend afternoons on the beach and say goodbye to the day with a beautiful sunset. It wouldn’t be bad, but… There is always a “but”. Even in this case. Maybe this topic needs a post of its own so let’s leave it at that for now. We really like to come back one to two times a year and it’s just so wonderful here. After so many visits, I feel at home here and I hope that Mila and Leo will too someday. If you ever find yourselves in these parts of France, make sure to include Ikle de Re island in your itinerary, you won’t regret it.
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Comments 10
Well, the scenery is beautiful, but you got me with those oysters & wine! 😀 😀
Author
😀 😀 Haha it´s always one of the things I look the most forward to everytime we go there 😀
Île de Ré is a famous summer destination for Parisians. It’s low key during the off-season but packed with people in summer. I really love the island, especially the long golden beaches and surrounding villages. I have only been once but would love to go again! Thanks for sharing!
Author
Exactly! I love it in May or Sept/October, we are going back this year in June/July and it will be my first high-season experience so let´s see :). But I agree, it is beautiful!
Growing up in the Netherlands my parents took me and my siblings to multiple vacations on the French coast and your post just took me right back! This looks stunning and it makes me want to book a ticket to France right now!
Author
oh how great! We´re doing a longer road trip this summer, so I´ll get to see more of the Atlantic coast, can´t wait 🙂
Thanks for bringing a previously-unknown area to my attention – this looks absolutely beautiful!! I’d love to visit that citadel; it sounds exactly my kind of thing!
Author
You´re welcome 🙂 Such a nice island, hope you make it there one day 🙂
This reminds me so much to Normandy and the South of England! It is really a lovely place although I may be dangerous for you to write about it, now it will become popular and you will be known for it! Jokes aside, it is a beautiful place, soon I will be traveling from the NLs to Spain and I think I will make a detour to visit this island. Thanks for sharing!
Author
heheh, I think it is already very popular in the summer, but you´re right, mostly French & English tourists as far as I saw. Definitely worth a stop if you are in the area 🙂