guide
Île de Ré offers a rich historical heritage, from the Ernest Cognacq museum in Saint-Martin-de-Ré to the Abbey of Les Châteliers, founded in the 12th century. Between visiting the salt marshes, walking through the Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve and meeting the Poitou donkeys, the island is perfect for a family stay combining heritage and nature.
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.
Here are a few suggestions of places to visit on the Île de Ré:
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.
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.
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.
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.
On the Île de Ré, several interesting activities are available to you:
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.
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.
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.
Only as part of a guided tour, between April and September, as well as during the autumn half-term holidays. It is the island's oldest fortification, dating from 1625.
117 steps, for a majestic view over the island that rewards the effort.
A workshop for restoring and binding old books located in Loix, awarded the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant label, in operation since 1987.
At Les Ânes en Culottes, a family attraction offering walks and photos with the Baudet du Poitou donkey.
