What to see on the Ile de Ré
The Whale Lighthouse and the Grande Conche
At the western end, climb up to the lighthouse for a 360° view of the Atlantic. At its foot, the Conche des Baleines rolls out a ribbon of golden sand, perfect for sunset strolls.
Saint-Martin-de-Ré, UNESCO-listed historic town center
At the port, enjoy an ice cream before heading off to the Vauban ramparts. The white alleyways, pastel shutters and observatory bell tower offer a wealth of viewpoints from which to understand the island’s history… and fill your photo album.
Fort La Prée and the Abbaye des Châteliers
Further east, the island’s oldest fort stands guard between sea and marsh. Not far away, the remains of the abbey tell a thousand years of history. A soothing stop, bathed in light, ideal for a contemplative break.
Salt marshes, birds and wide open spaces
Loix salt marshes
Follow the dyke paths to the ecomuseum to learn more about the work of the salt workers. The water mirrors and salt heaps create a unique setting, alive with the seasons, where avocets, herons and wading birds can be observed.
Lilleau des Niges Reserve
In this sanctuary, binoculars in hand, you’ll come across both migratory and sedentary species. The paths invite you to slow down, listen to the wind in the reeds, and watch the ballet of birds over the mudflats.
Cycling: the gentlest way to explore the Ile de Ré
The island of Ré is ideal for two wheels: 110 km of secure trails, virtually no gradient, stops at the beach or at a producer’s farm. From village to village, you’ll cycle through woods, marshes, vineyards and dykes, with the ocean on the horizon.
Villages and beaches: the art of living in Rete
Ars-en-Ré
Around the emblematic church and its black-and-white bell tower, galleries and terraces invite you to stroll. Just a few minutes away, the Côte Sauvage and Trousse-Chemise beach offer a natural interlude between pine trees and fine sand.
La Flotte-en-Ré
Stroll under the covered market, wicker basket in hand, before skirting the harbour lined with white houses. An ideal place to sample oysters, salted butter caramels and local jams.
From east to west on the Ile de Ré: villages to discover
Sainte-Marie for its sunsets, Saint-Clément-des-Baleines for its lighthouse, Rivedoux for its views over La Rochelle: there are so many places to stop, depending on your mood and the day’s weather.
Bathing and the good life: the tempo of the vacations
Family beaches and wild coves
Calm seas in the inlets, livelier waves offshore: the choice is yours. Between Conche des Baleines and small coves sheltered from the wind, every tribe can find its own spot to swim, read or collect shells.
Local flavours and markets with character
In the morning, the stalls are overflowing with salt, potatoes, goat’s cheese and oysters. We fill our baskets, rent bicycles and set off again, with enough to improvise a picnic by the water.
Where to stay to get the most out of Ile de Ré? Three addresses in Ars-en-Ré
On the north coast, three Romanée campsites offer the perfect base for visiting the island of Ré:
Le Cormoran, 5-star campsite
An elegant interlude just a stone’s throw from the cycle paths: a leisurely swim in the heated pool, pampered children at the kids’ club in summer, and a fitness room to keep up the pace. After the bike rides, head for thesauna/hammam area: the spirit of a true wellness campsite, calm and well cared for, to recharge your batteries in complete tranquillity.
Les Dunes, 4-star campsite
A gentle vacation spirit: a large heated swimming pool, a paddling pool for the little ones and a beach just a few minutes away. Sports fields, table tennis, pétanque and a kids’ club keep the days lively in high season, while aqua-sports and a few summer evenings offer the atmosphere of a campsite with entertainment without overdoing it.
La Plage, 4-star campsite
It’s the perfect place to explore between bike paths and beaches: heated swimming pool, aquatic area dedicated to toddlers (paddling pool, water games, slide), sauna, hammam, on-site bike rental, kids’ and teens’ clubs… The atmosphere is family-friendly and attentive, with teams happy to share the address of an oyster farmer’s hut, the prettiest bike path at sunset, or the cove sheltered from the wind.
Let’s set the date! Book your stay at a Romanée campsite on the Ile de Ré!
Published on 04/02/2026
