FranceSeptember 30, 2024, by Juul van Dooren

With NS International to Île de Ré, France

France, September 30, 2024, by Juul van Dooren

With NS International to Île de Ré, France

Île de Ré, where Parisians spend their summers. This island on the Atlantic coast is often called France's Martha's Vineyard, thanks to its charming villages, cute boutiques and endless beaches. Cars? Hardly. Everyone cycles everywhere here. No car needed at your destination, making it an ideal place to go by train.

How do we get there?

How do we get there?

Easy! Board the train to Paris at Amsterdam Central Station and travel straight to Gare du Nord. There you switch to Gare Montparnasse for the TGV direction La Rochelle City – a ride of about eight hours. All can be booked via NS International. La Rochelle is right across from Île de Ré, so for the last bit you'll take a taxi or boat. Ready for island adventure!

Facts & figures: Why take the train to Île de Ré?

If you have your affairs in order and you are smart, a train journey can be just as or even cheaper than a trip by car or plane. The round trip to Île de Ré costs around €350 in petrol and parking costs. But if you get your ticket in time via NS International by means of an alert – and by 'on time' we mean about six months in advance – then you have before and after, € 170, - A round-trip ticket. In addition to being kind to your wallet, you are also kind to Mother Earth: by doing this trip by train instead of by car, save yourself 235 kg of CO2. So, travel comfortably, don't dig too deep into your pockets and make a green choice? The train is your best friend!

The villages of Île de Ré

The villages of Île de Ré

At just 30 kilometres long, Île de Ré is the perfect island for a week of relaxation. The vibrant heart of the island is the charming harbour town of Saint-Martin-de-Ré. Think: terracotta roofs, cobbled streets and restaurants with pleasantly full terraces and a view of the water. From Saint-Martin-de-Ré you can cycle to La flotte, another atmospheric coastal town. The softest, widest beaches are in the north of the island, while the wilder and quieter beaches are on the west coast, surrounded by pine forests and dunes. For antique lovers, Ars-en-Ré a must visitThe village, officially one of the most beautiful in France, is full of second-hand shops and art galleries.

Let's go stairs

Let's go stairs

Although cars are not banned, it is all about cycling and walking here. With over 100 km of cycle paths, the bicycle the way to explore the island. Yes, you will occasionally encounter a car, but hardly. In high season, some parts are even kept car-free and parking is done outside the villages, so that the streets remain quiet and charming. Great! But you will need a bike. You can rent them here:

  • Cycland: One of the biggest players on the island, with locations in Saint-Martin-de-Ré, La Flotte and Le Bois-Plage. From city bikes to e-bikes and children's bikes – you'll find it all here, including handy accessories such as child seats and bike trailers.
  • YooToo: This rental company can be found all over the island and specializes in electric bicycles. But don't worry, you're also in the right place for regular bicycles and tandems. The whole shebang.
  • The Bikes of Margaux: In addition to the standard bicycles, they also rent out the iconic Electric Mehari cars here: load up a group and off you go.
  • beach bikes: Tourist favorite with locations scattered across Île de Ré. Think brightly colored bicycles with a basket on the front. Electric or not, you'll find what you're looking for here.

Hotels

Hotels

  • Hotel de Toiras: A classic in the capital St-Martin-de-Re. High ceilings, antique furniture and here and there some old-fashioned wallpaper, but all with a touch of elegance and glamour. Just right. And the view of the marina completes the picture.
  • Villa Clarisse & Spa: The more upscale sister of Hotel de Toiras, with minimalist rooms and a serene atmosphere. It's all about tranquility and luxury, including a private garden, pool and spa.
  • La Baronnie Hotel & Spa: In 1785, Louis XVI purchased a country house for his wife Marie-Antoinette, and now, 250 years later, it's La Baronnie Hôtel & Spa. Think stately staircases, wood paneling, velvet banquettes, and a cozy cocktail bar by an old stone fireplace. You'll also find a gorgeous courtyard full of greenery and a spa to die for, and this spa called Cinq Mondes is also open to non residents.
  • Le Clos Saint-Martin Hôtel & Spa: A stone's throw from the marina in Saint-Martin-de-Ré you will find Le Clos Saint-Martin. Two outdoor pools to sink into and a luxurious Spa by Clarins for the ultimate beauty boostIn addition to the stylish rooms, they also have three private villas, ideal for larger groups.

Apartments

Apartments

  • Villa MIHA: Villa MIHA is one of those places you want to move into right away. Stylish and modern, with a touch of island charm, enough space for the whole group and a swimming pool. The villa is a stone's throw from the beaches but also the village, so you can cycle everywhere.
  • Villa MIHA Bois Plage: Villa MIHA Bois Plage is the pretty little sister of Villa Miha, but without a pool. And therefore a bit friendlier to your wallet. Expect the same sleek, white interior and atmospheric garden.
  • Houses 322: Maisons 322, the project that was born 20 years ago from Anne-Sophie and Vincent's love for Île de Ré, has four accommodations: The Secret, The Unusual, The Flamboyant en The LumineuseEach house is decorated with the same attention to detail and style in a quirky way.

Huttopia Campings

Huttopia Campings

Ideal for kids, or if you just love camping. Camping Huttopia has a little extra comfort and is located in three different places on the island: Ars-en-Ré, Thistles blue en Wild side. Cosy tents, cabins and pitches hidden between the pine trees, a stone's throw from the beach. Bike rental, a heated swimming pool and a cosy terrace complete the picture.

The beach

The beach

The beaches on the south side of the island are perfect for swimming, sunbathing and reading your book. But for some water sports action, this is where you need to be:

  • Rivedoux-Plage: Kitesurfing is almost guaranteed with consistent wind at this spot.
  • Plage des Prises: Stand-up paddle boarding, sailing, kite surfing – you can do it all here.
  • Beach of Petit Bec: Waves of the Atlantic Ocean make this the perfect spot for surfing. But windsurfing, bodyboarding and kitesurfing are also possible here.

Vineyards

Vineyards

  • Domaine Arica: This organic vineyard of Marie and Simon is located right on the ocean. And that is not such a bad view, grapevines on the water. During the day you can go here for a tasting and in the evening for a wine workshop. Both recommended.
  • Chai du Domaine Pelletier: Stop here during your bike ride for a delicious tasting in an idyllic setting. Glass in hand, ready for the rest of the day.
  • In addition to the iconic clock tower, antique shops, wild beaches and salt marshes, Ars-en-Ré is also home to two charming wine bars: The 20 en The V. Both ideal places to taste the local wines and experience island life at its best.

Got a taste for it? There are plenty of vineyards in France! See our articles about it here wine tasting in France en Champagne region tips.

Restaurants

Restaurants

Typical French cuisine and seafood in abundance on this island. Here is a list of favorite restaurants:

  • The Cabane du Fier: Relaxed atmosphere, fresh seafood and a setting that makes you happy. Perfect for those who want to capture the island feeling, located on the edge of the nature reserve by the marshes.
  • The Blue Whale: French cuisine at its best, with fine dishes and a cozy atmosphere at the harbor.
  • George's: Modern dishes in a beautiful setting. Also located at the harbour and perfect for those who like a contemporary twist and a beautiful view.
  • The Serghi: Top chef Philippe Tredgeu is in the kitchen here. Seasonal dishes and pure indulgence; a party from start to finish.
  • La Cible: Nice beach spot with a beautiful setting on the beach. For a relaxed beach day you're in the right place.

Oysters

Oysters

Oysters are the specialty on Île de Ré and can be found literally everywhere; in the oyster village of Ars-en-Ré but also in countless small huts along the coastline.

  • The Cabane du Féneau: If you had to choose one of all the oyster huts, make it this one. Somewhere between Loix and La Couarde you will find this little gem, in the middle of the marshes. Here you can taste all kinds of seafood, with oysters in the leading role of course. Think: platters full of shrimps, langoustines, oysters, crab, whelks and more delicious things.
  • RéOstrea: Oysters, shellfish and seafood: they’re all here. RéOstréa’s pergola-filled terrace is located along the cycle path on the Saint-Martin coast and has a lovely view of the ocean.
  • Les huîtres de Trousse-Chemise: A charming, no nonsense place in the middle of nature and the marshes, where you can enjoy a delicious oyster tasting at simple picnic tables.

Active must-dos

Active must-dos

  • Horseback riding: Whether you are a seasoned rider or jumping into the saddle for the first time, horse riding on Île de Ré is a must. With beautiful routes through forests, over beaches and along the coastline, you will discover the island at its most beautiful. The Ecuries of the Moulin Moreau, in Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré: here you ride through the woods, over the beach and – the ultimate dream – during sunset. L'Aubade Equestrian Centre in Ars-en-Ré: For beginners and advanced riders. Think of rides through the countryside and along the coast.
  • Soups: Bee Supervision you can choose from different lessons, from fitness on the water to just going out on your own. But the real hit? The tour through the swamp.

Nature must-do's

Nature must-do's

  • Salt Flat Pick Sel: Where two centuries ago there were still 1000 salt makers on Île de Ré, there are now only about 100. And salt maker Romain is one of them. He still harvests his salt in the old-fashioned, artisanal way, and he will tell you all about it during his tour of the salt flats.
  • Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve: Looking for a good dose of nature and birds? We've got your back! In the north of the island you will find Réserve Naturelle de Lilleau des Niges. Here you can walk or cycle through while spotting hundreds of different species of birds. So bring your binoculars.