Island escapes
From La Rochelle to Ré Island
From La Rochelle, escaping the everyday life has never been easier: leave the mainland behind and set off for Ré Island. Cross the Antioche strait and you’re on holiday. With its beaches, unspoiled nature, wellness retreats, delicious local treats, and picturesque villages of whitewashed, flower-adorned houses, Ré Island is pure seduction!
A bit of history
The histories of Ré Island and La Rochelle are deeply intertwined. Though the island only separated from the mainland in Antiquity, it became a hotly contested territory between France and England from the Middle Ages to the 17th century. After a bloody battle, Ré Island enabled the staunchly Catholic Louis XIII and Cardinal Richelieu to tighten their grip on La Rochelle. Fortified with city walls, Fort de la Prée, and Saint-Martin citadel, the island helped protect the Kingdom of France from enemy attacks!
Ré Island and La Rochelle
Pleasures of the sea
The sea is everywhere here: a paradise for water sports. There’s a perfect spot for everyone, whether you’re into kitesurfing, surfing, sailing, or windsurfing! From Rivedoux to Le Bois-Plage, from Saint-Clément to Les Portes-en-Ré, there’s something for every taste.
Sunbathers and beach strollers will love the white sand and wild beauty of Ré’s beaches.
A must-see: the Bucherons Sandbank at Les Portes-en-Ré. At low tide, you can walk there from La Patache beach, but it’s even better by boat. As the sea retreats, this stunning turquoise lagoon gradually emerges!
Trousse-Chemise, La Patache beach, La Prise, the Baleines Lighthouse… These names evoke summer dream holidays. Yet, it’s in spring and autumn that you truly savour the island’s beauty, far from the summer crowds.
This is the perfect time to treat yourself to a spa, recharging with the healing powers of the sea and island air!
Bridge, cycle paths and free shuttles
A 3-km bridge connects Ré Island to La Rochelle. From the city centre, we highly recommend trying the bike ride: the free shuttle will help you cross the bridge, whose slope can be daunting when the wind picks up! Alternatively, on an electric bike from the city centre, you’ll reach Rivedoux in 30 minutes via the cycling path. Just 15 more minutes and you’re in La Flotte-en-Ré, voted France’s most beautiful village.
Above the Breton Strait, the horizon opens up: to the right, the white cliffs of L’Houmeau; to the left, the commercial port of La Pallice and the silhouette of Oléron Island. In Rivedoux, Ré Island welcomes you with its beaches, villages, and cycling paths.
Of course, sea lovers can also choose to reach the island by boat, once the only link to the mainland, dependent on the tides. Back then, the waiting times were long!
Even today, on busy days, a sunny weekend, a public holiday, or school holidays can quickly lead to long traffic jams at both ends of the island. By car, patience is often the only option!
By car
Before you go
In summer, traffic on Ré Island bridge can get heavy, especially on weekends and during peak travel times. To plan your trip, check real-time traffic conditions before you leave.
Crossing the bridge is toll-based for motor vehicles. Rates vary depending on the season and vehicle type..
For even easier access to the area, consider the La Rochelle Océan Pass which includes public transport, as well as entry to many attractions and activities in La Rochelle, the surrounding area, and nearby destinations.
On Ré Island
Our top 3 essential visits
Stroll through the alleys of Saint-Martin-de-Ré
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the island’s historic capital charms visitors with its flower-lined lanes, city walls, bustling port, and lovely shops. Don’t leave without treating yourself to an ice cream at La Martinière.
Cycle through the salt marshes
With over 140 km of cycle paths, Ré Island is best explored by bike. Between salt marshes, nature reserves, and picturesque villages, each turn of the pedals opens onto a new landscape.
Immerse yourself in nature at Ars-en-Ré and Trousse-Chemise
The famous black-and-white steeple of Ars-en-Ré marks the entrance to a land where tidal flats, marshlands, and ocean blend seamlessly. Extend your walk to Trousse-Chemise beach, one of the island’s most iconic spots.
Did you know?
- Ré Island is a preserved ecosystem with unique biodiversity. Stay on marked paths and do not litter.
- Remember sunscreen, a cap, and water if you’re planning a long walk or bike ride!
- Before heading out to sea or the beach, check the weather, tide times, and traffic depending on your activities and the season.
Thematic