Île de Ré

by coach & on foot

To the northwest of La Rochelle lies a picturesque island also known as the White Island – the Île de Ré. As you cross the 3km (1.8 mile) long bridge that now links the island to the mainland, you will have an impressive view of the ocean.

The island is 30km (18.6 miles) long and 5km (3.1 miles) at its widest, covering a total surface of 8500 hectares, and enjoys a mild climate all year round. Today, the entire territory has been classified a protected area and is renowned for its quality of living, food and sandy beaches.

During Roman times, Île de Ré was an archipelago consisting of three small islands. The space between the islands was progressively filled by a combination of human activity and silt. In 745 AD, Hunald, the Duke of Aquitaine, retired to a monastery on the island. The island became English in 1154, when Eleanor d’Aquitaine became Queen of England through her marriage with Henry Plantagenet.

Your first stop is at Saint-Martin-de- Ré. the picturesque capital of the island. Formerly an active port and military stronghold, St. Martin has now gracefully turned into a charming tourist centre. The narrow streets are spotlessly clean and still bumpy with cobblestones, confirming that the town has largely managed to retain the atmosphere of the 17th century. It has also preserved three streets from the Middle Ages that run down to the port, as well as its ancient shopping traditions as In the summer, the stores and restaurants along the pedestrian streets are known to attract many tourists.

Everywhere you turn, mansions and handsome residences reflect the town’s opulent heritage. After a short guided walk, you will have free time to explore the various boutiques or perhaps purchase some refreshments on the terrace of one of the numerous cafes in the port.

Back on your coach, your journey takes the road leading to the north of the island to the small village of Ars-en-Ré, nestled in the salt marshes. The village is typical of the area, with its white houses and colourful shutters. Once devoted to the salt trade, the small harbour nowadays welcomes modern yachts and old sailing ships. The church’s belltower spire which is painted black and white is still used as a landmark by sailors.

Following your short guided walk around the village you will rejoin your coach for a scenic drive along the delightful coast of the island which will bring you back across the bridge to the port.