Island life
What to do on the Île de Ré
The must-sees and our favourite activities, all within reach of our houses in La Flotte-en-Ré.
Between fine sandy beaches, white villages with green shutters, salt marshes and cycle paths as far as the eye can see, the Île de Ré is best discovered at your own pace. From La Flotte-en-Ré, you are at the centre of the island: everything is reachable by bike or a few minutes by car. Here are our must-sees.
Must-see sites
Abbaye des Châteliers
7 min by bike
The romantic ruins of a 13th-century Cistercian abbey, set facing the sea. A free, photogenic walk just steps from La Flotte.
- Route de la Prée, 17630 La Flotte
Le Phare des Baleines
30 min by car
At the far west of the island, this 57 m lighthouse is climbed via 257 steps for a 360° panorama over the ocean and the Pertuis Breton. A must at sunset.
- 155 allée du Phare, 17590 Saint-Clément-des-Baleines
Local activities
The island by bike
More than 100 km of flat, safe cycle paths connect every village. The bike is THE way to get around the island — rent one as soon as you arrive in La Flotte.
Our cycling routes →Sailing & water sports
Catamaran, windsurfing, paddleboarding: the island’s sailing schools offer courses and rentals from age 8, in sheltered waters.
iledere-voile.com →The beaches
The Arnérault beach is 500 m from our houses. For wide sandy stretches, head west: Gollandières, Lizay, Conche des Baleines.
All the beaches →Salt marshes
In Loix, the salt workers open their marshes in summer: guided tours on the harvest of fleur de sel and oyster tasting at the Cabane du Feneau.
Villages & heritage
Saint-Martin-de-Ré and its Vauban ramparts (UNESCO), Ars-en-Ré and its black-and-white bell tower, the medieval market of La Flotte — all among the Most Beautiful Villages of France.
The villages →With the family
Maison du Fier (birds), Arche de Noé (animal park), shore fishing at low tide: the island is an ideal playground for children.
Activities for kids →
Frequently asked questions
What to do on the Île de Ré when it rains?+
The Phare des Baleines and its museum, the Le Toiras cinema in Saint-Martin-de-Ré, a visit to a wine cellar or a covered salt marsh, or the La Rochelle aquarium (35 min by car) are all good options on grey days.
What are the must-see visits on the Île de Ré?+
The Phare des Baleines, the Vauban fortifications of Saint-Martin-de-Ré (UNESCO), the Abbaye des Châteliers in La Flotte, the salt marshes of Loix and the medieval market of La Flotte.
Is the Île de Ré suitable for children?+
Yes. Supervised beaches with gentle slopes, flat cycle paths suitable from age 7–8, animal parks and bird reserves: it is a family destination par excellence.
Your home base
Explore from La Flotte-en-Ré
Our two houses with enclosed gardens are perfectly placed to explore the whole island by bike.