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Ile de Ré is a perfect summer destination for families. Wide beaches, sports parks, and car-free cycling paths make this Island one of the best places for kids in France. In this article, I’m going to tell you about all the best things you can do with kids in Ile de Ré.

Some of the activities I’m going to offer are better fit for older kids and some are very fun to do with toddlers/ babies as well. And as it’s a summer destination, these are mostly outdoor activities. But just in case it rains, I added a few really fun indoor places you can take your kids to in and around Ile de Ré.

The best things to do with kids in Île de Ré

Discover the Island on bikes 

This is the one activity on this list I consider a must!

Île de Ré is one of the most bicycle-friendly places in France and cycling is the best way to discover the Island. The Island is flat so it’s easy to cycle around even if you’re not in shape. 

There is a cycling path in almost every part of the Island, connecting all its 10 villages so you don’t need a car to move around Île de Ré. Most of the paths around the villages and the salt marshes are car-free which makes it very safe for kids to cycle.

Cycling with kids in Ile de Re - one of the best activities to do with kids
Cycling with kids in Ile de Re – Lost in Bordeaux

As it’s a family-friendly destination, most bike rental places have kids’ bikes, child bicycle trailers, bike seats, and more. This means you don’t have to bring anything with you. If your kids are too heavy to carry, try electric bikes, which you can rent in bike shops in Ile de Ré. 

Keep in mind that Île de Ré is a very popular destination so in the summer the bicycle paths can get quite busy. If possible, try to start your day early or at least avoid very crowded town centers like Saint Martin de Re and Le Bois Plage en Ré. 

Where to rent bikes in Île de Ré

There are rental bikes in every village, so just rent one from wherever you’re staying and start discovering the Island. We rented bikes from different places and we always got great service and equipment. 

Here are two rental shops I used on my last two visits: Beach Bikes in the center of Saint Martin de Ré and Les Cycles N in Ars en Ré.

Here’s a good map of all the cycling paths on the Island, to help you plan your trip. You can get a physical copy of it at any tourist office in the Ile de Re as well as the rental bike shops. 

cycling in Ile de Re - one of the most kids friendly vacations in France
La Route du Sel with kids – Lost in Bordeaux

Go to the beach

You didn’t think I would omit the beach from this list, right? It’s an island with more than 100km of coastline after all!

There are lots of amazing beaches in Ile de Ré, however, some are particularly safer for kids. When the tide is low you can collect shells, one of the activities kids seem to love the most.

Plage du Grouin in Loix - a kids friendly beach in Ile de Re
Plage du Grouin in Loix – Lost in Bordeaux

Here are some of my recommendations for kid-friendly beaches in Ile de Ré: 

Plage du Grouin in Loix in the north part of the Island tucked in a calmer part of the Island, facing La Rochelle. This beach feels more like a lake than the ocean, which makes it a very fun beach for families. 

Plage des Gollandières is a vast beautiful beach located in Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré. Even on busy summer days, you can always find a place here. If your kids are a bit older, you have plenty of water activities to choose from on this beach. The beach is also supervised in the summer.

Plage de Gros Jonc is yet another family-friendly beach in Les Portes-en-Ré, the northwest of the Island. There are two sailing schools on the beach and plenty of water activities like surfing and bodyboarding. It’s particularly loved by small kids thanks to the rock pool on the side of the beach. 

going to the beach - one of the best things to do with kids in Ile de Re
Plage du Gros Jonc – Lost in Bordeaux

Learn How to surf 

A vacation in Ile de Ré is a great opportunity to take surfing lessons. The island is home to many surfing schools so you don’t have to go far from where you’re staying to take daily lessons.

Here are two recommended surf schools in Ile de Ré:

Swim and Surf is a surf school in le Bois Plage en Ré that’s open all year long. 

In the summer the school offers a 5-day course for kids (over 6yo) as well as for adults. Outside the summer season, you can also take private surf classes.

See all the details here.

Re Surf is another great surfing school that is open from April to November. 

You can find the school in two villages, le Bois Plage en Ré in the south of the island and Les Portes en Re in the northwest. 

Like the first school on the list, this school offers five-day courses in small groups or private surfing lessons. You can get a discount if several family members are enrolled in the school. The courses are offered during the summer and other French school vacations. 

Private lessons are offered during the rest of the opening period as well. 

If you already know how to surf you can rent surf equipment from them as well. See all the details here.

There are of course many other surf guides and schools you can find in Ile de Re, so try what’s closer to your camping site/hotel.

Keep your balance on the SUP

If surfing looks too hard, you can always enjoy a stand-up pedal (SUP) at the calmer beaches around the Island. Ile de Ré offers a variety of SUP activities from guided tours along the salt marshes to SUP lessons and yoga on a SUP.

If you’re interested in taking SUP lessons go to SUP Evasion, a school located in Couarde sur Mer. The school offers SUP classes to adults and kids over 8yo. If you already know how to handle your SUP, just rent the equipment and go explore the natural spaces of this magical Island. Here are all the details about the courses and renting.

If your kids are older than 12yo you can also enjoy a guided SUP tour. This is an amazing way to discover some hidden natural gems that are only accessible by SUP/boat. 

Take your kids to la plage des Enfants 

La Plage des Enfants is a kids club that offers plenty of fun activities for kids from 3 to 13 yo. The place consists of five different clubs offering plenty of activities for kids such as swimming, golf, and circus classes. One of the clubs is dedicated to little kids (3-3.5 yo) where they can enjoy soft play, crab fishing, and more.

The facility is located at the Plage du Gros Jonc in Les Portes en Ré, north of the Island. You can check out details about all the clubs and prices here

La Plage des Enfants is going to open for the summer season on July 3rd. It’s a popular family activity, so booking in advance is highly recommended. 

Donkey riding

Donkey riding is one of the most popular activities in Saint Martin de Ré, the main village of Ile de Ré. 

The donkey is a very symbolic animal here in Ile de Ré. In the past, donkeys were used to harvest salt and transfer it from one village to another. And while the locals have stopped using them for agriculture you can still see them grazing next to the citadel of Saint Martin de Ré. 

Donkey riding at Saint Martin de Re - one of the best activities for kids in Ile de Re
Donkey riding – Lost in Bordeaux

You can enjoy donkey riding daily in the summer and during French school vacations. The activity starts at Parc de la Barbette (next to the Vaubin parking). See all details here.

La Réserve Naturelle Nationale de Lilleau des Niges

If the weather isn’t perfect for a beach day, you can take your kids bird-watching at the natural reserve of Lilleau des Niges. This beautiful reserve is located just next to the quiet village of Les Portes en Ré.

Ile de Ré is a paradise for bird watching, with more than 200 bird species observed on the Island. There are also more than 40 butterfly species to look for, so keep your eyes and cameras open. The best time for this activity is spring and autumn when many birds start to migrate. It’s best to come when the tide is high as it’s when you’re more likely to see plenty of birds.

Lilleau des Niges has plenty of paths to follow to explore the salt marshes while you’re looking for birds and butterflies.

Bird watching and salt marshes in Ile de Re
The salt marshes of Ile de Re – Lost in Bordeaux

Discover Île de Ré through a game – Terra Aventura 

Exploring new places with kids can be a daunting task, especially when they get bored. Our region, Nouvelle Aquitaine, has come up with a perfect solution for that, a geocaching game called Terra Aventura. 

Terra Aventura is an immersive activity that will help you get your kids engaged when discovering a new destination. Be it a natural reserve or a historic landmark, the game makes them discover the place playfully through a series of questions and clues. 

Terra Aventura is a free app, all you need to do is download it on your phone. The games are offered in French and English. The app currently has two routes in Ile de Ré. One is in Loix and the other one is a route that should be done by bicycle in Le Bois Plage en Re. 

See all the details about the games in Ile de Ré following this link

Club de plage Les Dauphins

If you’re traveling with toddlers, Club de Plage Les Dauphins is perfect for you. The kids club, operating in the summer offers a variety of activities for kids starting from 2yo. The baby club that opens in the morning hours includes a program of games, swimming, storytelling, a trampoline, and more. 

And while your kids play or learn how to swim you can enjoy a great selection of sportive activities for adults like aqua biking or aquagym. 

The kids club is located on Peu Rago beach in La Couarde sur Mer. See more details here.

A Catamaran trip

Another way to enjoy the ocean and the beautiful landscape of Ile de Ré is by taking a Catamaran trip. Dream’on is a company that offers two hours trips on a catamaran that your kids will absolutely love! 

The trip starts from the port of Saint Martin de Ré, the main village on the Island. You can take the trip daily from April to early November. See all the details and ticket prices here.

Go Skating 

If you need a bit of a break from water activities you can take your kids skating. 

The Skatepark of Les Portes en Ré is located in L’aire de loisirs de la Plaine du Gros Jonc. It’s a huge recreation area with plenty of facilities for kids like a playground, picnic tables, and a big skateboard park. 
The park is free and open all year long, see more details here.

Learn how honey is made

Abeille de Ré is a honey farm located in the artisanal village of Loix. Apart from delicious honey they also offer different activities that will make your kids explore the world of bees. 

Take their guided tour to discover the work of the beekeeper. If you come at the right time you can even attend a honey extraction and taste fresh honey. 

The tours take palace from April to September at 16:30, see details here. From time to time the place also offers magic shows for little kids, see the dates here.

Le manège en… chanteur de Donin

Sometimes a good carousel is all children really need and Ile de Re has a special one to offer. Le Manège en Chanteur, located in the beautiful village of Ars en Re, was created in 1983 by Donin. While the vintage carousel has its charm, the real attraction here is Donin himself. A sweet singer who loves kids and amuses them with his funny songs while they ride the carousel. 

The Carousel is open daily from 10:00 to 13:00 from mid-April to early November. 

See all the details here

Kids-friendly day trips from Île de Ré

A day trip to La Rochelle

Anyone coming to this part of France must dedicate at least one day to the beautiful port city of La Rochelle. It’s one of the best destinations on the Atlantic coast, a lively city with plenty of monuments, restaurants, and charming streets.

La Rochelle a perfect day trip from Ile de Re
La Rochelle with kids – Lost in Bordeaux

It can also be a lovely day trip to do with your kids when staying in Ile de Ré. You can enjoy the many parks, restaurants, kids’ museums, and attractions this city has to offer. To get there you can take a car or a bus but one of the best ways to do it is by boat. 

The sea shuttle leaves every morning from the port of Saint Martin de Ré to the lively port of La Rochelle. This trip allows you to observe the Island from the sea as well as the historic monument of fort boyard on the way. In the summer, there’s a shuttle several times a day. 

See hours and ticket prices here

A day trip to Sable d’Olonne

Sable d’Olonne is one of the most popular towns on the Atlantic coast famous for its beaches and long promenade. If you have a few days in Ile de Ré you can take the time to discover other treasures in the region like Sable d’Olonne. 

The P’tit Natien boat leaves daily from the port of Saint Martin de Ré to the shores of Sable d’Olonne. The sail takes about 1.5 hours and usually leaves at 9:30 or 10:30, during the summer season.

See all the details here

Go to the best Aquarium in the region

And last but not least, don’t miss a chance to take your kids to one of the best aquariums in France!

La Rochelle is home to one of France’s biggest aquariums exhibiting more than 12,000 animals of 600 different species. Every floor of the Aquarium is dedicated to a different sea and shows you the different animals inhabiting the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean sea, the carbines, and more. 

La Rochelle Aquarium - one of the best things to do with kids near Ile de RE
La Rochelle Aquarium – Lost in Bordeaux

It’s one of the favorite kids’ attractions in the Southwest of France! Do it either as a day trip from Ile de Ré or on your way to or from the Island. The aquarium is open daily all year round, see the opening hours here.

Where to stay with kids in Île de Ré

Île de Ré is a family summer destination and as such it’s home to many camping sites, houses, and kids-friendly hotels. 

Camping sites can vary from simple ones to 5-star sites that include mobile homes, pools, and activities for kids. So you have a huge variety to choose from according to your taste and budget. 

Also, one important tip from a local, the southwest of France can get very hot in the summer! If 35C+ is not your cup of tea make sure there’s AC in your accommodation before booking it!

Most French vacation from July 15 to August 15 so prices will be at their peak during that period. If you have the option, try to schedule your vacation towards the end of August. 

If you’re interested in renting a mobile house on a camping site Sunêlia – Interlude in Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré is a great option. It’s a 5-star camping site with a big pool, a babysitting service, a spa, and a restaurant. 

For more simple and affordable options you can check Camping Le Suroit and Camp du Soleil 

which are both very kids-friendly campings.

`If you’re traveling with a big family (or several families together) you have this great villa with 5 separate bedrooms. It’s very close to the center of Saint Martin de Re so you’ll be located in the center of things.

Or this house in Le Bois Plage en Re if you want to stay closer to one of the most family-friendly beaches in Ile de Ré.

Here are other articles about amazing places in the Charentes you might like to read when planning your trip to Ile de Re:

Where to eat at La Rochelle
What to do in Cognac
Discover the French capital of comics and street art – Angouleme
Aubeterre sur Dronne – the most beautiful village in Charente

You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:

Facebook |Instagram |Email | Facebook group

*Note – Some of the links in this article include affiliate links for which I earn a small commission. It adds absolutely nothing to your cost and helps me continue writing about this amazing region. Don’t worry, I’m not getting rich here, I’ll never recommend anything I don’t believe in 🙂 

Ile de Re, a little piece of heaven on the French Atlantic coast is home to many beautiful villages. There are ten villages on the Island, each with a unique soul and character.  Some of the villages on Île de Ré are lively with buzzing city centers while others are very peaceful with long sandy beaches. 

Île de Ré is not a huge Island and if you have a few days, you can visit all ten villages and discover their uniqueness. However, some villages are more beautiful and interesting than others and in this article, I’ll make you discover them. So if you’re time limited and want to make sure you visit the top spots on the Island, follow my list of the most beautiful villages in Île de Ré.

*If you need more recommendations for places to visit in the SW of France, join my Traveling in the Southwest of France group.

Beautiful villages in Île de Ré you shouldn’t miss

La Flotte – an ancient port with the most beautiful market

Île de Ré prides itself on having three out of its ten villages formally labeled as “the most beautiful villages in France” (Les plus beaux villages de France). One of these three stunning villages is La Flotte.

La Flotte is located on the northern coast of the Island and it’s the first village you’ll pass by after crossing the bridge from La Rochelle. The charming village has a rich history dating back to the middle ages. It was a busy port during the 13th century playing an important role in the salt trade on the Island. 

La Flote - one of the most beautiful villages in France
La Flotte – Lost in Bordeaux

What’s not to miss in La Flotte:

The market

La Flotte is home to one of the best markets in Île de Ré. Built as a medieval-inspired market, it’s a perfect place to try some of the regional specialties just before you leave the Island. The market is located at Place du Marche and is open daily throughout the year. 

The medieval market of La Flotte in Ile de Re
The medieval market of La Flotte – Lost in Bordeaux

The historic center:

La Flotte has a bustling historic center with plenty of nice restaurants and beach fashion boutiques. Take a stroll through the narrow paved street and absorb the atmosphere and the architecture of this beautiful town. The village has a beautiful little church, L’église Sainte Catherine that’s also worth a visit.

The Port 

From the old center, you can continue to the port with its beautiful green lighthouse. In the past, La Flotte was a commercial port and nowadays shelters many touristic boats. From the port, you can do a nice walk along the Promenade du Front du Mer.

The port of La Flotte - one of the most beautiful villages in Ile de Re
The port of La Flotte – Lost in Bordeaux

If the weather’s getting hot, head to the small beach located right next to the city center, Plage de l’Arnerault

Recommended hotel in La Flotte:

Hôtel & SPA Le Richelieu is a great Spa hotel located within 10m from the beach. The hotel is perfectly located next to the port and the market. 

Saint Martin de Ré – the main village of Ile de Re

Saint Martin de Ré is a lively port town with beautiful half-timbered houses and historic landmarks. Like its neighbor La Flotte, Saint Martin de Re is labeled as one of the most beautiful villages in France. 

The village is considered the unofficial capital of Île de Ré thanks to its rich history and economic development. And while it’s not the biggest village on the Island, it’s definitely the most important and liveliest of them all. It’s not hard to see why this village is so loved by both locals and tourists.

Saint Martin de Re - the most beloved village in Ile de Re
Saint Martin de Re – Lost in Bordeaux

Saint Martin was an important military port and you can still see its star shape fortifications and its beautiful citadel. This historic monument was built by Vauban, a French military architect, at the end of the 17th century. It is one of the 12 famous Vauban fortified towns some of which are located in the Southwest of France. 

Blaye in Gironde is another example of a Vauban fortified town, see more details about it my article about the most beautiful villages around Bordeaux

In 2008, Saint Martin de Ré was classified as a Unesco world heritage. 

What not to miss in Saint Martin de Ré

The old center

Saint Martin de Ré has a very busy center with lots of restaurants and boutiques, especially around the port where a lot of seafood restaurants and coffee places are located. It’s a perfect spot for lunch. Be sure to be there early to get a spot on one of the terrace cafés. 

Saint Martin de Re - one of the most beautiful villages in Ile de Re
The center of Saint Martin de Re – Lost in Bordeaux

Many houses date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. During that time the village saw great financial growth with many salt and wine merchants moving into the town center. Take a stroll in the historic center and discover the interesting mix of architectural styles. Don’t miss the colorful house and historic buildings such as Eglise Saint-Martin with its bell tower and panoramic terrace.

The beautiful houses in Saint Martin de Re
The center of Saint Martin de Re – Lost in Bordeaux

Springtime is particularly beautiful in Saint Martin de Ré with many houses decorated with typical flowers from Charentes Maritimes. The most prominent one is the stunning hollyhock flower which you can find in abundance in the region. 

The port 

This is the main port of the island and where most of the sea excursions are leaving from. If you’re staying on the island, taking a cruise is one of the best activities you can do here. You can take a cruise to the magical île d’Aix or just a boat trip with a tour around Fort Boyard. 

A boat trip to Fort Boyard from Ile de Re
Fort Boyard – Lost in Bordeaux

You can book your tickets online.

Eat Ice Cream

Another thing this town is known for is ice cream! One of the best ice cream shops here is called La Martinière. It was established in 1970 and is still considered the best ice cream on the Island La Martinière closes during the winter season. 

Recommended hotel in Saint Martin de Ré:
La Martinoise Garden is a charming 4-star guest house in the center of Saint Martin de Re. Book here.

If you’re traveling with a big family, here’s a great villa with 5 rooms close to the center of Saint Martin de Ré.

Ars en Ré – the best place to discover the salt marshes

The third village in Île de Ré to be labeled as one of the “Plus beaux villages de France” is Ars en Ré. It’s a very tranquil village, especially in comparison to Saint Martin de Re and La Flotte.Ars en Ré is located on the South-west coast of the Island, about 30 minutes drive from the Pont de l’île de Ré. However, the village (as well as the route there) is remarkably beautiful and well worth the drive.

La Route du Sel - Ile de Re
The salt route next to Ars en Re – Lost in Bordeaux

Ars en Ré is perfectly situated between the ocean and the salt marshes of Fier d’Ars. If you’re interested to discover how salt is being produced in Ile de Re, this is the perfect place to start your discovery tour. 

Cycle paths are spread along the salt marshes and the port so biking is the best way to discover it. You can also do it walking but I’m a friend that the monotonic scenery might get boring at some point. 

If you have a few days on the Island, Ars en Re is a great point to start discovering the western part of the Ile de Re. 

What’s not to miss in Ars en Ré

The church

The most famous monument in Ars en Ré is its church, Église Saint-Étienne built in the 15th century. The church has a black and white bell tower that is seen from every corner of the village. In the past, the belltower used to guide boats sailing toward the Island. Hence its unique colors. 

Église Saint-Étienne in Ars en Re
Église Saint-Étienne in Ars en Re – Lost in Bordeaux

The port and the little center

Ars en Re has a very cute little town center and port with a few nice restaurants. It’s a great place to stop for lunch.

The port of Ars en Re - a perfect spot for Lunch
The port of Ars en Re – Lost in Bordeaux

After you finish eating, the center is also where you can rent a bike for your trip. We rented our at Beach Bikes in the center, but there are several shops that all seem good. Most bike rental shops are open from April to November. 

Here’s a map of all the cycling routes on the Island.

The market

Ars en Ré is also home to one of the best markets in Ile de Ré. In the summer, the market takes place in the town center every day, whereas the rest of the year it takes place only on Tuesday and Friday mornings. 

If you’re visiting in the winter, market days are the better days to visit this lovely village.

Loix – an Island with in an Island

Look closely at the map of Île de Ré and you’ll notice that Loix is actually an Island within an Island. Most of the village is surrounded by the ocean, making it a 14km coast in total. The southern part of Loix is surrounded by the salt marshes of Île de Ré.

 salt marshes of Île de Ré near Loix
Salt marshes near Loix – Lost in Bordeaux

The peninsula is connected to the rest of the Island by two main cycling paths. One path takes you along the coast from the east side, which is one of the most beautiful paths on the Island. 

The second path is called “La Route du Sel”. This one goes through the salt marshes and leads to the salt eco-museum. 

What’s not to miss in Loix:

Pointe du Grouin – a calm beach on the northeastern part of the peninsula. If you’re looking for a calm, kids-friendly beach, this is a great option. 

Pointe du Grouin - a calm beach in Loix
Pointe du Grouin in Loix – Lost in Bordeaux

Loix has a cute town center with a few coffee places. It also hosts a cute little market that takes place daily during school break and the summer. 

One of the most interesting parts of Loix is the village artisanal. Plenty of merchants and craftsmen open their workshops and boutiques for people to visit. Among the most interesting ones to visit in the soap producer (savonerie Atisanae de re) and l’Abeille en Ré (honey farm).

La Couarde sur Mer – a calm village in a prime location

La Couarde sur Mer is another charming village on the southern coast of Île de Ré. It’s one of the more prosperous villages on the Island thanks to a variety of economic activities like oyster, salt, and wine production. 

Couarde sur Mer - a great stop for a drink
Couarde sur Mer – Lost in Bordeaux

The village has a very cute center with restaurants, bars, and a big carousel for kids. It’s not as lively as other villages on this list but it has one of the best markets on the Islands.

What’s not to miss in La Couarde sur Mer 

La Couarde sur Mer has one of the best coastlines on the Island – a strip of more than 5km of sandy beaches. You can enjoy a variety of water activities such as surfing, jet skiing, SUP, and more.

Another perfect activity offered here is yoga on the beach. The classes take place on Plage des Anneries in July and August. See all the details here.

Recommended hotel in la Couarde sur mer

This beautiful B&B with its beautiful garden is located within a few minutes walk from the beach of la Couarde sur Mer. It’s a perfect place for those looking for a calm vacation.

Le Bois Plage en Ré – the village with the best beaches

Le Bois Plage en Ré is the most popular village in the southern part of Ile de Re, mostly thanks to its amazing beaches. The village has a long 6km of sandy beaches which are perfect for families. 

The beach at Le Bois Plage en Ré - Ile de Re
Plage des Gollandières – Lost in Bordeaux

Le Bois Plage en Ré is known for its summer market taking place in the center of the town. It’s a perfect place to equip yourself with local delicacies before going to the beach. 

What’s not to miss in Le Bois Plage en Ré

The town center is not as beautiful as in other villages on this list but it’s a very lively and kids-friendly village with plenty of restaurants. The market is definitely a must.

The market of Le Bois Plage en Ré
The martket of Le Bois Plage en Ré – Lost in Bordeaux

From inland, the village is surrounded by woods and vineyards. That’s where the Cooperative wine cellar is located. The cooperative includes about 60 wine producers, whose vineyards cover around 600 hectares (7% of the total territory of the Island). You can visit the cooperative in July and August. See details here.

Where to stay in  Le Bois Plage en Ré

If you like camping sites, Interlude located next to the Gros Jonc beach is a great one. If you prefer to stay in a hotel, Les Bois Flottais is a very cozy hotel located between the beach and the city center.

How to get to Ile De Ré

To get to Ile de Re you first need to get to the main city nearby, La Rochelle. La Rochelle has an airport and one of the biggest train stations in the region so you have quite a few ways to get here.

You can find all the ways to get to La Rochelle here

From La Rochelle, you can take a bus ( 3/3E), which stops at the train station and the city center. This is the cheapest way to get here, the ticket price is only 2.5 euros. 

See the timetable here

If you’re traveling by car you’ll have to pay the environmental tax to cross the bridge. The fee is 16 euros in the high season (mid-June to mid-September) and 8 euros in the low season. 

You can also take a boat from the port of La Rochelle to get to the Ile de Ré- see all the details here.

Take a boat from La Rochelle to Ile de Re
The port of La Rochelle – Lost in Bordeaux

How to get from village to village in Ile de Ré

Even if you decide to come to Ile de Re by car, you can easily leave it in the parking. The best way to move around the Island is by bike. There are bike rental shops in every village and in many camping sites as well. 

Some of the shops will even bring the bikes to your hotel. 

The second option is the free shuttle that circulates around the Island. From April the subtle serves three villages: La Flotte, Loix, and Sainte-Marie-de-Ré. In the high season, July- August, the shuttle goes through all 10 villages of Ile de Re. See all the details here.

Here are other articles about amazing places in the Charentes you might like to read when planning your trip to Ile de Re:

Where to eat at La Rochelle
What to do in Cognac
Discover the French capital of comics and street art – Angouleme
Aubeterre sur Dronne – the most beautiful village in Charente

You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:

Facebook |Instagram |Email | Facebook group

*Note – Some of the links in this article include affiliate links for which I earn a small commission. It adds absolutely nothing to your cost and helps me continue writing about this amazing region. Don’t worry, I’m not getting rich here, I’ll never recommend anything I don’t believe in 🙂