The beaches of La Flotte and around
La Flotte-en-Ré is one of the few villages on the Île de Ré with its own beach within direct reach of the centre. The Arnérault beach, 500 metres from our houses, is a sheltered cove of fine sand, perfect for young children: a gentle slope, a tide that reveals broad expanses to explore barefoot, and shallow water for several dozen metres at high tide.
Ten minutes away by bike, the beach at Rivedoux-Plage offers a wider stretch with views of the Île de Ré bridge. Further north, the beaches of Sainte-Marie-de-Ré (anse du Defend, Montamer) are favoured by locals for their southern aspect and their shellfish-gathering spots. If you love waves and an open horizon, head for the west coast: the beaches of Le Lizay, Les Gollandières (Le Bois-Plage) and the Conche des Baleines.
All the beaches on the Île de Ré are supervised in July and August, usually from 11am to 7pm, though times vary from one village to another. Outside the season swimming is unsupervised and at your own risk. Do check the tide times: at low tide you sometimes gain 200 to 400 metres of foreshore depending on the coefficients.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the closest beach to La Flotte-en-Ré?
The Arnérault beach, 500 metres from the village centre and the same distance from our houses Rory's House and Aston's House. It is a sheltered cove of fine sand, supervised in July and August.
Is the La Flotte beach suitable for young children?
Yes. The Arnérault beach is sheltered from the waves and the slope is very gentle — you can walk a long way with water up to your knees. At low tide, pools form among the rocks, perfect for shellfish-gathering with the children.
Where to find the finest sandy beaches on the Île de Ré?
On the west coast, between Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré and Saint-Clément-des-Baleines: the beaches of Les Gollandières, Le Lizay and the Conche des Baleines. They offer long stretches of white sand backed by dunes planted with maritime pines.
The La Flotte market — one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France
The medieval market of La Flotte is without doubt the most picturesque on the Île de Ré. Sheltered beneath open stone halls, it is held every morning in summer (July–August) and several times a week in the shoulder season. There you will find local producers: oysters from the Bay of Yves, salt from Loix, the Île de Ré's PDO potatoes, goat cheeses, island honey and wines from the Charente country.
Our tip: come early (before 10am) to enjoy the market without the summer crowds and to get the best choice at the fishmongers. Buy oysters the same morning to eat them at lunch — ask the producers to open them for you, it is often included for 2 dozen or more.
Around the market, the lanes lined with hollyhocks and the central square with its cafés make this morning stroll an essential ritual of your stay. La Flotte is officially listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, one of the island's two villages to hold this label alongside Ars-en-Ré.
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening times of the La Flotte market?
Every morning from 8am to 1pm in July and August. In the shoulder and low seasons the days can vary (usually Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday). Check locally on arrival — the tourist office on the quai de Sénac has the up-to-date schedule.
What can you buy at the La Flotte market?
Oysters and seafood (mornings), fresh fish, Ré salt, PDO potatoes, local cheeses and goat cheeses, honey, Charente wine, flowers, and seasonal fruit and vegetables. Several shops nearby also sell regional produce all day long.
Why is La Flotte among the Most Beautiful Villages of France?
For its preserved medieval heritage (market halls, lanes, harbour), its typical Ré architecture (low white houses with green shutters), and its flowers (hollyhocks at the foot of the walls in summer). It is one of the Île de Ré's two listed villages, along with Ars-en-Ré.
Restaurants and tables not to be missed
La Flotte boasts a genuine choice of restaurants for a village of 3,000 inhabitants. On the harbour, several places serve local produce: oysters, sole, sea bream, bouchot mussels. The terraces facing the basin are much sought after in summer, so remember to book as soon as you arrive for evenings in July and August.
For more creative cooking, the gourmet restaurant of the Hôtel Le Richelieu (facing the sea) offers a menu built around local produce. For a more relaxed mood, the pizzerias and brasseries of the place de la République suit families with children well. For lovers of artisan ice cream, La Martinière (in Ars-en-Ré, 20 min by bike) remains an institution.
Beyond La Flotte, several places are worth the trip by bike: the oyster market at the Cabane du Feneau (Loix), the bistros of the Ars-en-Ré harbour, or the beachside guinguettes at La Couarde-sur-Mer in summer.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best restaurants in La Flotte-en-Ré?
On the harbour: Chai nous comme chai vous, L'Écailler, Le Bistrot Marin for seafood. Hôtel Le Richelieu for more gourmet cooking. The place de la République offers more relaxed options for families.
Do you need to book restaurants in summer on the Île de Ré?
Yes, absolutely for evenings and weekends in July and August. The best tables are fully booked several days ahead. Reserve as soon as you arrive, or even before.
Where to eat fresh oysters in La Flotte?
At the market in the morning (to take away), at the oyster market of the Cabane du Feneau in Loix (15 min by bike, tasting on site), or in the harbour restaurants of La Flotte that serve oysters from the Bay of Yves all year round.
The Île de Ré by bike — the ideal way to get around
The Île de Ré has 110 km of dedicated, entirely flat cycle paths. The bike is not an option: it is the main way to discover the island. Cars are allowed but impractical (parking is scarce in summer, the village lanes are narrow, and the cycling experience is so much more enjoyable).
From La Flotte, you are ideally placed to explore: 15 minutes to Saint-Martin-de-Ré (the capital fortified by Vauban, UNESCO-listed), 30 minutes to Ars-en-Ré with its black-and-white church spire, 45 minutes to the Baleines lighthouse at the far west. The whole north coast (Le Bois-Plage, La Couarde, Loix) is within easy reach.
Several bike-hire shops are based in La Flotte (facing the harbour, near the town hall): Cyclosurf, Beach Bikes, etc. Reckon on 10 to 14 €/day for a standard bike, 25 to 35 €/day for an e-bike. If you stay a week, the multi-day packages are good value. Helmets provided for children.
On request, we point our guests to the least busy cycle paths in July and August, as well as the family loops (15–25 km) suitable for children from the age of 7–8.
Frequently asked questions
Are there cycle paths on the Île de Ré?
Yes, 110 km of dedicated cycle paths cover the whole island. They are flat, safe (separated from the road), and link every village together. It is the main way to get around for locals and visitors alike.
Where to rent bikes in La Flotte-en-Ré?
Several hire shops operate in La Flotte: Cyclosurf, Beach Bikes, and others around the harbour and the town hall. Reckon on 10–14 €/day for a standard bike and 25–35 €/day for an e-bike (cheaper rates over the week).
How long does it take by bike between La Flotte and Saint-Martin-de-Ré?
About 15 minutes along the cycle paths (4.5 km). It is one of the loveliest rides on the island: you follow the seafront and arrive at the UNESCO-listed Vauban ramparts.
Can you cycle around the Île de Ré in a single day?
It is feasible for a fit cyclist (about 75 km), but we rather recommend splitting it into 2–3 outings: one day for the south coast (La Flotte → Sainte-Marie → Le Bois), one day for the north (Loix, Ars), and one day for the western tip (Baleines lighthouse).
Activities with children — what to do as a family
The Île de Ré is one of the favourite destinations of French families, and with good reason: safe beaches, cycling independently from the age of 7–8, accessible wildlife (the famous trousered donkeys, marsh birds) and a mild climate. Here are our recommendations, tested with our own children.
The must-see: the Maison du Fier at Les Portes-en-Ré, an interpretation centre for the Lilleau des Niges nature reserve, with bird hides and marked trails (free for under-16s). At Saint-Clément-des-Baleines, the Arche de Noé offers a park with animals and gentle attractions for ages 3–10, as well as the Baleines lighthouse (257 steps, a 360° view over the island — suitable from age 6–7).
More playful: the watersports centre at La Couarde-sur-Mer offers catamaran and windsurfing courses from age 8 in summer. At Loix, the salt marsh opens the salt workers' world to you — guided tours in July and August on the salt pans and the harvest. For a treat: the La Martinière ice cream parlour in Ars-en-Ré (the Charentais melon sorbet is a must).
For rainy afternoons (rare but possible), the Le Toiras cinema in Saint-Martin-de-Ré and the La Rochelle aquarium (35 min by car) always save the day.
Frequently asked questions
What to do with children on the Île de Ré?
Family cycling on the flat paths, supervised beaches on the south coast, Maison du Fier (birds), Baleines lighthouse (257 steps, panoramic view), Arche de Noé (animal park), a visit to the salt marshes at Loix, and sailing courses from age 8 at La Couarde.
From what age can a child cycle on the Île de Ré?
As the paths are entirely flat and separated from the road, children can ride independently as soon as they can pedal safely (typically 7–8 years old). For the youngest, child seats, tag-alongs (Follow Me) and trailers are available to rent.
Is the Île de Ré suitable for babies and toddlers?
Yes. The Arnérault beach in La Flotte is ideal for babies (gentle slope, shallow water). Our houses provide a cot and a high chair on request. The pedestrian streets of La Flotte make it easy to get around safely with a pushchair.
The villages to discover
The Île de Ré has 10 villages, each with its own character. Here are the unmissable ones, listed by distance from La Flotte.
Saint-Martin-de-Ré (4.5 km, 15 min by bike). The island's historic capital, its Vauban fortifications are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lively harbour, the shopping lanes, the citadel and the walk along the ramparts at sunset are essentials. Market every day in summer.
Rivedoux-Plage (3 km, 10 min). The first village after the bridge, it offers the finest views of the Île de Ré bridge and the Charente estuary. A family beach and beach restaurants in season.
Sainte-Marie-de-Ré (5 km, 15 min). An authentic village still spared from mass tourism, with wild coves on the south side (Defend, Montamer) much prized by locals for shellfish-gathering.
Ars-en-Ré (15 km, 45 min by bike). The island's other Most Beautiful Village of France, with its emblematic black-and-white church spire that serves as a landmark for sailors. A renowned medieval market.
Saint-Clément-des-Baleines (22 km, 1h by bike). The far west of the island. The Baleines lighthouse (1854), the Maison des Marais salants, and the Conche des Baleines beach — the longest on the island.
Loix (10 km, 30 min). The salt workers' village, to be discovered on foot among the salt marshes. The oyster market at the Cabane du Feneau is a tasting not to be missed.
Les Portes-en-Ré (28 km, 1h15). At the northern tip, a discreet and chic village, a refuge for Parisian families. Maison du Fier and the Lilleau des Niges nature reserve.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most beautiful villages on the Île de Ré?
La Flotte-en-Ré and Ars-en-Ré are the two villages listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. Saint-Martin-de-Ré (UNESCO-listed for its Vauban fortifications) is also a must. Loix and Les Portes-en-Ré charm visitors with their more discreet character.
How many villages are there on the Île de Ré?
10 villages: Rivedoux-Plage, La Flotte, Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, Le Bois-Plage, La Couarde-sur-Mer, Loix, Saint-Martin-de-Ré, Ars-en-Ré, Saint-Clément-des-Baleines, and Les Portes-en-Ré.
How to get from La Flotte to Saint-Martin-de-Ré?
By bike (15 min, 4.5 km along the coastal cycle path), by Yelo bus line 3 (10 min), or by car (10 min off-season, longer in summer because of parking). The bike ride along the sea is the most enjoyable.
We look forward to seeing you
Set down your bags in La Flotte-en-Ré
Two houses with enclosed gardens, 500 metres from the beach and the market. Direct booking, no commission.