Ile de Re – a Sun Drenched Paradise in France
For those that follow our blog closely, you’ll know just how much LifeinourVan love a decent coastline…. Ile de Re’s chic Parisian style matches the white houses, colourful shutters and miles of glorious beaches… In fact it’s that good we decided it made our ‘5 Favourite Coastlines across Europe‘
It’s also the perfect place to grab your bikes in utter freedom due to the endless bike paths that criss-cross the entire island.The entire island is some 20miles long stretching from the bridge (La Pont) that connects Ile de Re to the mainland near La Rochelle…
For those not bringing bikes, there are plenty of shops to hire/rent them for the duration of your stay… and there are lots of sail schools to grab your kids’ attention too… But perhaps not before visiting one of the idyllic towns that are spaced across the island. For those wanting more action (head for St Martin – see right) but for that prefer the quiet… then head towards places like Ars en Re/Loix
Each town holds wonderful morning markets that leave you literally dribbling…. fresh seafood (oysters, mussels etc) is readily available next to fruit/vegetables that make perfect picnic material…Perfect for kids to browse after picking up the morning croissants
So how did we spend a day on ile de re?
Well after enjoying the wonderful morning market in Saint Clement-des-Baleines… we sauntered across to see the setting up of the circus that seems to do the weekly rounds across Ile de Re….Before tucking into the wonderful array of new croissants / beignets (doughnuts) that had tempted the girls eyes… but thankfully they still love their fruit.. so this was enjoyed alongside a plentiful supply of fresh strawberries and raspberries…
Deciding to walk breakfast off… we headed off to explore the nearby beach and grab some family fun… hunting in rock pools for hermit crabs and trying to body board (sadly no surf… so the girls will have to wait for another time/place). Heading back to the aire within the town, we grabbed the chance to relax and enjoy some of the local wine and seafood for dinner…
A decent bike ride awaits tomorrow… all the way across the top edge of the island to take in the wonderful lighthouse and salt fields in the marshes…
ile de re
so where did we park the bus for the night?
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