Explore holidays in Ile de Ré
Described as the Pearl of the Atlantic, Île de Ré has long since been on the radar of upmarket Parisians, sailors and sophisticates, famed for the beauty of its contrasting landscapes and the refined elegance of its towns and villages. The island’s ease of access and well-marked cycle trails afford a realistic opportunity for a car-free holiday and with 100km of glorious unspoilt coastline, a micro-climate that makes it one of the sunniest regions in France and a way of life that celebrates nature and conservation, this chic little island is an enchanting destination for beach-lovers, foodies and anyone looking to embrace the great outdoors.
Explore our collection of villas in Île de Ré and discover why everyone’s talking about the Pearl of the Atlantic.
A selection of our holidays in Ile de Ré
* Prices shown are for a seven-night stay at the lowest accommodation-only rate.
Our guide to Ile de Ré
Overview
Introduction to Ile de Ré
Something for everyone on Île de Ré
Known for its lovely climate and authentically French, almost Mediterranean feel, Île de Ré’s world-class beaches and ease of access are no small part of the appeal. Close to La Rochelle airport or less than three hours from Paris by train, it’s as realistic a possibility for a long weekend away as it is for a two-week summer holiday. With so much to do when you’re there (and absolutely no pressure to do any of it!) the island really does offer something for everyone: 100km of coastline, 110km of cycle and walking trails, watersports ranging from paddleboarding to kitesurfing, boat trips, tours and a fantastic choice of restaurants, shops and markets. There’s plenty of car-free holiday potential in Île de Ré too; an opportunity to reconnect with nature and enjoy a simpler way of life that feels as thoroughly modern as it does traditional. Île de Ré is a little island with a big heart.
One island, ten villages
Chic yet unpretentious, sophisticated yet informal; the ten harbour towns and villages that make up this exquisite island destination are straight out of the pages of a lifestyle magazine. Wooden shutters painted in a picture postcard palette of misty blues and earthy greens adorn pretty pebble-white houses with secret walled gardens and aged timber gates. Even the street signs and door knockers are beautiful in Île de Ré, a reflection of the island’s highly artistic and creative air. In 2012 it became France’s first island to join the country’s celebrated regions of art and history and wandering the pedestrianised streets of the ten village centres is a highly civilised affair; a unique feast of historical monuments, artisan boutiques, colourful markets and excellent restaurants. As you might expect, seafood is a particular speciality and the locally produced oysters are an obsession, but the island also takes ice-cream very seriously, with whole menus given over to design-your-own-flavour combinations and tempting sundaes. And this being France, you can rely on an excellent selection of wines by the glass wherever you go.
A pearl of the ocean
This sophisticated little island has a loyal following. Just 30km long, with a width ranging from 70m at its narrowest to 5km at its widest, it has a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna, boasting some exceptionally rare species of birds and butterflies, some of which are unique in France. In Roman times it existed as an archipelago of three smaller islands but over the centuries, the human harvesting of salt and the resulting silting has led to the reclamation of land to unite them as one. The impressive bridge linking the island to the mainland (nearly two miles long) was built in 1988 and to protect Île de Ré’s natural beauty and the unique habitat of its wildlife, a green tax is payable for all who use it. The importance of protecting the significant biodiversity of the island is in evidence wherever you roam. No wonder then that its well-to-do inhabitants place such high importance on the humble bicycle as a means of transport. With an extensive network of cycle trails criss-crossing the island through fields and vineyards, woodland and salt marshes, cycling is in the DNA.
