Are you visiting the area but don’t know what to do? Here’s a complete guide to help you visit the Île de Ré!
At the heart of the Bay of Biscay, Île de Ré is a showcase for the magnificent Charente-Maritime department. Its oceanic climate, warm sandy beaches and numerous tourist attractions and activities make it a popular destination for holidaymakers. Whether you’re looking for a swim, a boat trip or a donkey ride, we’ve put together a guide to all the activities you can enjoy on the Ile de Ré!
Île de Ré in a nutshell
Photo credit: Shutterstock – jbarchietto
BehindIle d’Oléron, Belle-Île and Corsica, Ile de Ré is the fourth largest island in mainland France. Nicknamed « Ré la blanche » for the color of its houses, this fraction of the Charente archipelago is a heavenly haven that attracts visitors for its heritage, ecosystem and local produce. Its historic center, Saint-Martin-de-Ré, boasts several works signed by Vauban.
The face of the island changes with the seasons. In spring and summer, travelers enjoy the beach, the fresh sea breeze and bike rides along the coast. In autumn and winter, photography and sunset walks on the beach are in full swing.
Home to just 18,000 inhabitants, the Île de Ré has been linked to France by its gigantic bridge since 1988. The island’s proximity to La Rochelle and the TV show Fort Boyard continue to attract tourists and attract attention.
1. Diving
Photo credit: Shutterstock – scubadesign
Let’s start our guide with a unique way to visit the Ile de Ré! Diving is one of the region’s leading activities. In fact, fishing is strictly regulated. This helps preserve the seas’ ecosystem.
The seabed of the Ile de Ré boasts a number of sites that would merit a complete guide in their own right. Rich in aquatic fauna, numerous wrecks also dot the island’s abysses. Here’s a list of the various diving areas worth a look:
- Christina Rueda;
- Élodie’s steps;
- The Nautilus wreck;
- The U-263 submarine
Terms and rates
- Registration for a diving license is compulsory and costs €50;
- For a descent, expect to pay between €25 and €50, depending on the site and depth;
- All diving equipment can be rented for 15 €;
- This activity is not suitable for people with heart problems or pregnant women.
2. Surfing
Photo credit: Shutterstock – peapop
A vacation on the sunny coastline of the Île de Ré is the perfect opportunity to try your hand at surfing!
Whether you’re at Grenettes, Lizay or Gros-Jonc beach, the waves are numerous and generous. You can consult the island’s surf schools and start courses adapted to your level, physical condition and desires.
Terms and rates
- A summer course costs €160;
- If you prefer to take private lessons, this will cost you €70;
- Board rental for a week is €50;
- Knowing how to swim is mandatory.
3. Kitesurfing
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Lubos K
A more sensational alternative, kitesurfing will have you gliding at top speed across the waters of the Île de Ré. Indeed, the region is ideal for wind-dependent water sports.
As with surfing, specialized schools will provide you with specific training. Instructors will be with you every step of the way, sharing their love of the sport with you.
Terms and rates
- One-to-one lessons cost €150;
- A duo course costs €135 per student;
- For experienced holidaymakers, supervised sailing is available for €75 per person for 2 hours.
4. Flyboarding
Photo credit: Facebook – AWL
If you’re visiting the Ile de Ré, don’t miss out on flyboarding! Have you always dreamed of flying like a superhero? Then this is the activity for you. Suspended on a hydro-propelled platform, you can reach the clouds with this refreshing and spectacular balancing act.
Terms and rates
- Allow €120 for a 30-minute introduction to flyboarding;
- A video of the session is available for €15;
- The activity is open to 16-year-olds and over. Maximum weight is 120 kg.
5. Jet skiing
Photo credit: Facebook – Aquajet Pornichet
Are you thirsty for speed and curious about exploring the cliffs and coastline of the Retais? Jet ski expeditions departing from the Boutillon beach offer thrills and spills in an idyllic setting.
Alone or in pairs, depending on the package you choose, you’ll be guided on a tour of the Île de Ré, taking in the Pointe de Grignon, Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, the Phare des Baleines and the Pont de l’île.
Terms and rates
- A1h30 expedition is worth €160;
- The minimum age for driving without a licence is 16;
- All drivers must know how to swim.
6. Paddle boarding
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Jorge Ferreiro
Balanced on an oversized board, stand-up paddling is the perfect activity if you want to visit the Ile de Ré at your own pace.
Along the island’s shores and salt marshes, relax and discover secret, unspoilt spots. It’s the most ecological way to observe the local flora and fauna.
Terms and rates
- A package for a paddle tour of the island’s natural areas costs €40;
- For 2 hours, a board can be rented for €20;
- All participants must be able to swim.
7. Catamarans and sailing
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Ivonne Wierink
Whether aboard a windsurfer or a catamaran, the Île de Ré is the perfect setting for wind-powered water sports.
From April to September, the beaches of Couarde sur Mer, Le Bois Plage en Ré and Loix welcome holidaymakers to discover the pleasures of sailing. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sailor, we have the right course for you to make the most of the winds of Ré.
Terms and rates
- From age 6, catamaran courses are available for €120;
- For teenagers or families, courses cost €140;
- Beginner and advanced windsurfing lessons (from age 10) will cost between €130 and €150;
- Shorty suits and life jackets are available.
8. A boat cruise
Photo credit: Flickr – issartel
Want to see the iconic Fort Boyard for yourself? Come aboard a cruise ship and discover the island of Aix and its flagship attraction!
Equipped with a fully furnished solarium, you’ll be comfortably seated during your visit. The tour will be fully commented to give you all the information you need about the island and the mythical building.
Terms and rates
- A stopover for an adult will cost €36. 5 and €31 for a student;
- For children under 4, the rate is reduced to €4;
- Pets are welcome.
9. A canoe trip on the marshes
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Dmitry Molchanov
The Île de Ré is also known for its network of salt marshes, carved out by natural clay. Most of these narrow veins of water are open to the public.
You can explore the Loix peninsula and its salt works by canoe. Scenery, peace and quiet, a whole host of adjectives can be used to describe this superb trip.
Terms and rates
- This activity will cost €19 for children under 12 and €25 for adults;
- The tour lasts1h30;
- Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
10. A cheeky donkey ride
Photo credit: Shutterstock – sylv1rob1
A symbol of the Île de Ré, donkeys in breeches are part of a tradition belonging to the region’s winegrowers and sauniers. These colorful garments protect the animals from thorny insects and other pests during the harvest.
At Parc de la Barbette, you can get to know them and explore the surrounding area on a 400m-long marked trail, to the delight of your children.
Terms and rates
- Tickets cost €3 on the spot and do not require a reservation;
- The minimum age requirement is 3 years.
11. A horse ride
Photo credit: Facebook – Destination Ile de Ré
Would you like to take a horseback ride along the seafront? In Bois-Plage-en-Ré, climb aboard a beautiful stallion and discover the coastline and the many forests of the Retais. The fauna and flora of its protected site offer a natural setting rich in color.
Riding lessons and courses, as well as horseback rides, are available for all ages and levels, so that you can visit the Ile de Ré in good company.
Terms and rates
- For a 2-hour walk in the forest, expect to pay €50;
- The same price applies for a walk on the beach;
- From age 7.
12. Hiking
Photo credit: Facebook – Destination Ile de Ré
But taking advantage of the oceanic climate and almost eternal sunshine of the Île de Ré is also an activity that combines brilliantly with hiking.
Between land and sea, travel along paths filled with history, through sumptuous landscapes with these examples of excellent tours:
- Le Fier d’Ars-en-Ré ;
- The Five Landscapes Trail in Sainte-Marie-de-Ré ;
- From La Couarde-sur-Mer to Passage du Martray;
- A short tour around the Baleines lighthouse
13. A mountain bike circuit
Photo credit: Flickr – Terre et Côte Basques
Cycling on the Île de Ré is a real way of life! Here, getting around by car is strongly discouraged. To preserve the ecosystem as much as possible, the majority of people on the island use mountain bikes, an ecological and practical solution!
With the diversity of the island’s environment, a bike ride will take you to varied and unusual settings, such as the Chemin des Marais, where white gold is grown; the Lizay forest; or a gourmet tour to sample local specialities.
Terms and rates
- You can rent your bike at the Bois-Plage, Flotte en Ré and Rivedoux branches;
- For 4 hours, junior and adult bike hire costs €7 and €9 respectively;
- A deposit of between €200 and €300 is required, depending on the age of the user.
14. The hot-air balloon
Take to the skies and admire the astonishing face of Charente-Maritime – it’s possible!
Departing from Fontenay le Comte, climb into the gondola and let the easterly wind take you towards the Bay of Aiguillon, where you’ll catch a glimpse of the Mediterranean Sea and the bridge linking the Ile de Ré to La Rochelle.
Supervised baptisms allow you to discover this magical activity on your own or with others.
Terms and rates
- For a one-person baptism, the cost is €280;
- For 5 or more passengers, the price drops to €240;
- Flights are only feasible when weather conditions permit;
- Two flights a day is the maximum allowed.
15. Parachute jumping
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Germanskydiver
Are you a thrill-seeker? Would you like to discover tandem skydiving? We’ve got the solution for you!
Visit the Île de Ré from high above. If you’re a curious soul, parachute jumping is simply the best way to appreciate the geography of the Charente coast. With panoramic views of the islands of Aix, Oléron and Ré and Fort Boyard, it’s an experience that’s just waiting for you.
Terms and rates
- To land on the Ile de Ré or Ile d’Oléron, a fee of €115 is charged;
- On-board HD video costs €75 and editing €15;
- The maximum weight is 85 kg for men and 75 kg for women.
16. A microlight flight
Photo credit: Flickr – cadratin
Once you’ve explored its salt marshes, magnificent coastline and verdant forests, you think you’ve seen the whole of the Ile de Ré? Well, there’s still one more sensational activity for you to discover!
Fly over the island and Charente-Maritime in a microlight, accompanied by an instructor! Electric paramotoring is somewhere between free flight and powered flight, and offers a number of advantages. Greener, quieter and safer, this unique extreme sport will round off your holiday in style.
Terms and rates
- The single fare starts at €195;
- The weight limit for a passageway is 100 kg.
As the locals say, living on the Ile de Ré is living « beun’aise »!