Why Everybody Loves Île de Ré

It's time to discover (or rediscover) one of France's easiest holiday wins

LA FLOTTE

Île de Ré’s tiny population swells every summer as we tourists arrive on the hunt for a beachy idyll. And with pretty towns, endless dune-clad coastline and an abundance of local seafood shacks, most of us find just what we’re looking for.

There’s nothing undiscovered about Île de Ré. Not only will you know several people who’ve holidayed here - you might even bump into them if you decide to do the same (at the very least you’ll be haunted by the distant but unmissable voices of fellow Brits).

So can its appeal outweigh its perhaps too obvious popularity? For me it’s still a winner every time. Here’s just a few reasons why everyone loves Île de Ré (and why you will do to).

SAINT-MARTIN-DE-RE

It’s the best of France in miniature

Pretty streets of white-washed fisherman’s cottages with pastel-painted shutters, vibrant food markets overflowing with fresh produce, the almost constant scent of fresh baguettes and croissants wafting in the wind… Île de Ré has everything I think of when I think imagine postcard perfect France, with stunning sandy beaches to boot.

There’s enough beach space for everyone

CONCHE DE BALEINES IN AUGUST, PLAGE DES GOLLANDIERES IN LATE MAY

Even in peak summer season, the vast expanses of Île de Ré’s beaches mean you are never short of somewhere to lay your towel. Popular stretches like Gros Jonc and Conche de Baleines rarely feel packed thanks to their wide, wild nature. The downside of that is much of the coastline can get windy, but invest in a windbreak or shelter close to the dunes and you’re all set.

You’ll find oysters on every corner

The island’s oyster beds provide such a bounty that you’ll find these local shellfish treats everywhere you go - from restaurants and seafood shacks to stalls selling them on every campsite and oyster vending machines by the side of the road (yes really). You can ever try oyster ice cream if you dare, at local ice cream mini-chain La Martiniere.

You can cycle everywhere

I not a big fan of bikes but the cycle paths that traverse the island are so good and the bike hire places so abundant that resistance is futile. Whizz along lanes that hug the coast, cut through pine forests that lead you to the island’s northern lighthouse or southern ruined Abbey. Glide into towns or onto beaches and lock up your bike when you hit the pedestrianised parts, safe in the knowledge you haven’t got the stress of finding parking (with the added bonus of burning off those French crisp calories).

Île de Ré Hacks, Tips & Maps for Paid Subscribers