Island life

Ile de Ré is one of this regions real treasures. A small island tucked away off the coast of La Rochelle only reachable via the sweeping 3km bridge, it is a popular place for Parisians, many of whom have a holiday home here. It is fairly flat making it perfect for cycling and is only 25 km from east to west yet it has something for everybody. Picturesque fishing villages feature along the coast and the long, sandy beaches with gentle waves are ideal for families and of course there are plenty of stylish boutiques and restaurants.
The capital Saint Martin-de-Ré is a must for shoppers but the island is also steeped in history, being the scene of a famous siege in 1627. The charm of the island is hard to resist and we return again and again only to discover new delight and taste the fresh Ré air.