THINGS TO DO ON ÎLE DE RÉ

For a long time now, the Ile de Ré has appealed to all camping lovers and holidaymakers looking for authenticity, a preserved art of living and sunshine comparable to that of the regions of the south of France. It is impossible to resist the charm of the picturesque villages where time seems to have stood still, the charm of the white houses that follow one another along the alleys decorated with hollyhocks and the cobbled streets full of history.

Camping on the Ile de Ré is the pleasure of having breakfast on the port in the morning, strolling through the colourfuland fragrant markets at lunchtime before reaching the beach and watching the sun set over the ocean. It is a journey through history, from the Gallo-Roman period to the Middle Ages, from Vauban to the Second World War, through the many archaeological sites, historical monuments and museums scattered all over the island. In short, camping on the Ile de Ré means spending a life-size holiday, setting off on an adventure and living unique experiences !

On foot, on horseback or by bike along the hundred or so kilometres of cycle paths and hiking trails, discover the natural heritage of the Ile de Ré and its contrasting landscapes of land and sea, fine sandy beaches, salt marshes and forests.

During your strolls towards Loix and the Fier d’Ars, you will get to know the donkeys in their breeches, an emblem of the Ile de Ré and an ancient tradition of the salt marshes which are very present in the northern part of the island. You will be able to explore the Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve and observe the thousands of migratory birds that have chosen the Ile de Ré as their home.

In the direction of Bois-Plage, you like to walk along the vineyards and the expanses of fine sand as far as the village of La Couarde. Walking towards Rivedoux to the north, you can see the oyster beds which are revealed at each low tide. To the west of the island, between Clément-des-Baleines and Les Portes-en-Ré, the wild, very rocky coast offers a privileged natural setting to recharge your batteries with the fish locks as a backdrop.

Whether you are a water sports, enthusiast, a thrill-seeker or a lazy lover of sunbathing, the Ile de Ré is a little corner of paradise to make the most of your seaside camping holidays. The numerous fine sandy beaches and an exceptional natural environment make the Ile de Ré an ideal destination on the Atlantic coast. From North to South and from East to West, the Ré coastline offers all the seaside pleasures imaginable: swimming, beach games, sailing, surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, kayaking, stand-up paddle, fishing on foot or sea fishing… So many pretexts to jump into the water and spend the most beautiful camping holidays on the Ile de Ré.

If you are an art and history lover, you will love to linger longer around Saint-Martin-de-Ré to discover the Vauban citadel and the ramparts listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the half-timbered house of La Vinatière (16th century) and the Renaissance-style Hôtel de Clerjotte. The Fort de la Prée and theAbbaye des Châteliers de la Flotte-en-Ré, the Redoute de Rivedoux-Plage, the famous bell tower of Ars-en-Ré or the Phare des Baleines in Saint-Clément are also part of the cultural and historical visits not to be missed during your camping holidays on the Ile de Ré. It is therefore not surprising that the Ile de Ré is the first French island to be awarded the Pays d’art et d’histoire label!

In the Middle Ages, certain villages on the Ile de Ré lived largely from the cultivation of vines. If the origins of the Ré vineyard go back to Roman times, it was in the 12th century that this activity took off thanks to the Cistercian monks of the Abbaye des Châteliers. Today, the Ile de Ré is home to nearly 650 hectares of vines that produce white, rosé and red wines, as well as excellent sparkling wines. Heading to the Coopérative des Vignerons de l’Île between Sainte-Marie-de-Ré and Bois-plage, you can visit the cellars in the summer and learn all about the secrets of production!

The markets are one of the must-see activities on Île de Ré. The Bois-Plage market is known to be the largest market on Ré. The one in Ars-en-Ré is the most popular and the one in La Couarde the most family-oriented. If you like unusual atmospheres, the market of Loix will seduce you with its intimate side, while the market of La Flotte, with its medieval style, is an attraction in itself! At each market, you can discover its local products by strolling along the stalls or by chatting with the shopkeepers and local producers.