Renowned for its ocean setting, salt marshes, and charming villages, the Île de Ré is the perfect weekend destination.
Whether on foot or by bike, here are a few ideas to make the most of this highly popular island on the Atlantic coast.
Start your weekend in Saint-Martin-de-Ré, the island's historic capital.
A UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its Vauban fortifications, Saint-Martin-de-Ré charms visitors with its lively harbor and cobblestone streets lined with white houses and colorful shutters.
For a bird's-eye view, climb the bell tower/observatory of Saint-Martin Church and take in the ocean scenery.
Just a few kilometers away, the village of La Flotte ranked among "The Most Beautiful Villages in France" is home to one of the island's loveliest covered markets.
It is the perfect spot to sample local oysters and other island specialties before taking a stroll along the harbor to have lunch or watch the boats.
At the island's western tip, the Phare des Baleines (Whales Lighthouse) in Saint-Clément-des-Baleines has dominated the landscape for over a century.
Climb the 257 steps to the top and admire the 360° view of the Atlantic Ocean.
With over 100 kilometers of cycle paths, Île de Ré is also a wonderful place to explore by bike.
Next, head towards Ars-en-Ré and its salt marshes, where salt workers still harvest the famous Ré salt using traditional methods. Loix and Les-Portes-en-Ré also offer a chance to discover another side of the island.
Finally, no weekend getaway would be complete without a visit to the beaches of Rivedoux or La Couarde-sur-Mer, renowned for their fine sand and calm waters.
It is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some downtime with family or friends.
To make the most of your weekend on Île de Ré, stay at a 4-star hotel in Bois-Plage-en-Ré, just 400 meters from the beach.
L'Élégance Suites Hôtel enjoys a prime location within a true haven of peace.
Our eight spacious, elegant suites all feature a king-size bed, a whirlpool bath with chromotherapy, and a private terrace.
They provide an idyllic setting for relaxation after a day of cycling or exploring the island's villages.
Guests can enjoy the heated outdoor pool (open from April to the end of September) and the wellness area, complete with a sauna, steam room, and Jacuzzi. Treatments and massages are also available at the on-site spa.
As for dining, the Plaisir restaurant showcases homemade cuisine prepared using local ingredients—the perfect way to end your weekend on a delicious note.
Whether on foot or by bike, here are a few ideas to make the most of this highly popular island on the Atlantic coast.
Day 1: Heading to the Île de Ré’s iconic villages
Saint-Martin-de-Ré, the historic capital
Start your weekend in Saint-Martin-de-Ré, the island's historic capital.
A UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its Vauban fortifications, Saint-Martin-de-Ré charms visitors with its lively harbor and cobblestone streets lined with white houses and colorful shutters.
For a bird's-eye view, climb the bell tower/observatory of Saint-Martin Church and take in the ocean scenery.
La Flotte: market life and the seaside
Just a few kilometers away, the village of La Flotte ranked among "The Most Beautiful Villages in France" is home to one of the island's loveliest covered markets.
It is the perfect spot to sample local oysters and other island specialties before taking a stroll along the harbor to have lunch or watch the boats.
Day 2: Nature and the great outdoors
The Phare des Baleines and its unmissable panorama
At the island's western tip, the Phare des Baleines (Whales Lighthouse) in Saint-Clément-des-Baleines has dominated the landscape for over a century.
Climb the 257 steps to the top and admire the 360° view of the Atlantic Ocean.
A bike ride through the salt marshes
With over 100 kilometers of cycle paths, Île de Ré is also a wonderful place to explore by bike.
Next, head towards Ars-en-Ré and its salt marshes, where salt workers still harvest the famous Ré salt using traditional methods. Loix and Les-Portes-en-Ré also offer a chance to discover another side of the island.
Relaxing on the island’s fine sandy beaches
Finally, no weekend getaway would be complete without a visit to the beaches of Rivedoux or La Couarde-sur-Mer, renowned for their fine sand and calm waters.
It is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some downtime with family or friends.
Your 4-star hotel on Île de Ré
To make the most of your weekend on Île de Ré, stay at a 4-star hotel in Bois-Plage-en-Ré, just 400 meters from the beach.
L'Élégance Suites Hôtel enjoys a prime location within a true haven of peace.
Our eight spacious, elegant suites all feature a king-size bed, a whirlpool bath with chromotherapy, and a private terrace.
They provide an idyllic setting for relaxation after a day of cycling or exploring the island's villages.
Guests can enjoy the heated outdoor pool (open from April to the end of September) and the wellness area, complete with a sauna, steam room, and Jacuzzi. Treatments and massages are also available at the on-site spa.
As for dining, the Plaisir restaurant showcases homemade cuisine prepared using local ingredients—the perfect way to end your weekend on a delicious note.
