What to do on the Île de Ré?

Summer and winter alike, the Île de Ré offers plenty of interesting places to explore as well as activities for all tastes. Use this guide to plan your holiday. You’ll find a range of suggestions here to help you plot your itinerary.

Places to discover

Here are a few suggestions of places to visit on the Île de Ré:

Musée Cognacq

History buffs will appreciate a visit to the Ernest Cognacq museum. It’s located in the tourist town of Saint-Martin-de-Ré. It’s made up of the Hôtel de Clerjotte, the main building, and a contemporary wing. Through rich exhibitions, you’ll discover the major events that have shaped life on the island.

The Abbey of Les Châteliers

This is one of the most beautiful historic sites on the Île de Ré. It was founded in the 12th century. This building, located in La Flotte, is listed as a historic monument. Although it was largely destroyed during the wars of religion, you can explore the galleries, the garden and the former refectory. If you’re sporty and 117 steps don’t scare you off, consider visiting the observation belltower of Saint-Martin-de-Ré. This unusual spot is one of the stops to include in your itinerary. The majestic view will make you forget the effort.

Fort la Prée

This is a military construction dating back to 1625. It’s the oldest fortification on the island. This historic building can only be discovered as part of a guided tour, held between April and September. Tours are also open during the Toussaint school holidays.

The Atelier Quillet

This is one of the must-see spots to discover during your stay on the Île de Ré. Located in Loix, this workshop stands out as an international reference in the field of conservation. It holds the «Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant» label. In operation since 1987, craftspeople here restore and bind books and other old documents. It embodies a manual skill, carefully passed down through generations. You’ll discover all the specialities practised in the workshop during the guided tour. Don’t forget to stop by the bookshop to pick up a souvenir of your visit.

Must-do activities

On the Île de Ré, several interesting activities are available to you:

Visit the Lilleau des Niges National Nature Reserve

This is a place that’s as enriching as it is soothing. You can venture out on the marked trails even when the museum isn’t open to visitors.

Explore the salt marshes

This place is part of the island’s cultural and social heritage. Surrounded by the very distinctive smell of the marshes, take the time to admire the centuries-old techniques and don’t forget to take in the stunning scenery at dusk. During your holiday on the Île de Ré, it’s possible to hire a boat to enjoy the coastline. Several excursions are available to help you discover another side of this magnificent island.

Discover the Baudet du Poitou

If you’re travelling with the family, the children will love riding on the backs of the Poitou donkeys and taking photos with the donkeys wearing trousers. It’ll be a fun experience for the whole family.

For a memorable stay, choose nature campsites to stay in a green setting, away from the hustle and bustle of big towns. You can book at one of the many eco-friendly campsites on the Île de Ré.