Just off the west coast of France and generally considered to be the most attractive of the Vendee islands, Île de Ré is one of France’s most loved holiday destinations. With over 30km of coastline, miles of sandy beaches, charming whitewashed villages, colourful harbours and more than 138km of dedicated cycle paths, it is the perfect destination for a relaxing family holiday.

Unlike many busy seaside resorts, life on Île de Ré moves at a slower pace. Families spend their days cycling between villages, enjoying long lunches overlooking picturesque ports, exploring bustling markets and relaxing on beautiful beaches. Whether you’re travelling with toddlers, teenagers or grandparents, the island offers something for everyone.

The Villages of Île de Ré

One of the joys of visiting Île de Ré is exploring its ten unique villages, each with its own character and atmosphere.

Saint-Martin-de-Ré

The island’s historic capital is one of the prettiest ports on France’s Atlantic coast. Surrounded by impressive Vauban fortifications, its cobbled streets are lined with boutiques, cafés and ice cream parlours overlooking a lively marina.

Children will enjoy watching the fishing boats and yachts come and go, while parents can browse independent shops or simply enjoy lunch beside the harbour.

La Flotte

Often voted one of the most beautiful villages in France, La Flotte is famous for its traditional daily market, medieval harbour and relaxed atmosphere.

The waterfront is ideal for an evening stroll, while families can sample local produce, fresh seafood, artisan cheeses and delicious pastries from the covered market.

Ars-en-Ré

Recognisable by its distinctive black and white church spire, Ars-en-Ré is surrounded by salt marshes and is one of the island’s prettiest villages.

Its small harbour, cafés and quiet streets make it a wonderful place to explore before heading off on one of the many cycling routes through the surrounding countryside.

Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré

Known for having some of the island’s finest beaches, Le Bois-Plage also hosts one of the largest markets on Île de Ré during the summer months.

It’s an excellent base for families looking to combine beach days with easy access to restaurants, shops and cycle routes.

Les Portes-en-Ré

Located at the northern tip of the island, this peaceful village offers access to unspoilt nature, beautiful beaches and the Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve, home to hundreds of migratory birds.

It is perfect for families looking to escape the busiest areas during the height of summer.

Other Villages Worth Visiting

Don’t miss the charming villages of La Couarde-sur-Mer, Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, Rivedoux-Plage and Loix, each offering peaceful streets, traditional white houses with colourful shutters and easy access to beaches, vineyards and the salt marshes.

Beautiful Beaches for Families

Île de Ré is renowned for its clean, sandy beaches, many of which are ideal for children, thanks to their gently shelving waters.

Popular family beaches include: Le Bois-Plage– one of the island’s largest sandy beaches; La Conche de Baleines– close to the famous lighthouse with wide golden sands; Rivedoux-Plage– perfect for young children and watersports; La Couarde-sur-Mer– several sheltered beaches which are ideal for swimming and Gollandières Beach– excellent for families and beginner surfers.

Many beaches are supervised during the summer months and offer facilities such as cafes, ice cream kiosks and watersports equipment hire.

Explore the Island by Bike

If there is one thing Île de Ré is famous for, it is cycling. With more than 138km of dedicated cycle paths the island is almost entirely flat, making it one of the easiest places in France to explore on two wheels. Families regularly cycle between villages, beaches, forests, vineyards and salt marshes without needing to use the car. Bike hire is available in every village, with children’s bikes, trailers and electric bikes widely available.

Popular family routes include: Saint-Martin-de-Ré to La Flotte / Ars-en-Ré to the Phare des Baleines lighthouse / Le Bois-Plage through vineyards and pine forests / Salt marshes around Loix.

Cycling is more than simply a way of getting around – it is part of island life.

Harbours, Ports and Maritime Heritage

The picturesque harbours are at the heart of island life.

Spend an afternoon watching fishing boats return with their catch, enjoy fresh seafood overlooking the marina or simply wander along the quays admiring the colourful sailing boats.

The ports at Saint-Martin-de-Ré, La Flotte and Ars-en-Ré are particularly lively during the summer, with markets, street performers and evening dining creating a wonderful family atmosphere.

Family Activities on Île de Ré

While many visitors come simply to relax, there are plenty of activities to keep children entertained throughout the holiday.

Popular family activities include:

Cycling the island’s extensive network of bike paths;

Climbing the Phare des Baleines lighthouse for spectacular coastal views;

Exploring the traditional salt marshes and learning how sea salt is harvested;

Paddleboarding, sailing and kayaking;

Surfing lessons on the Atlantic beaches;

Boat trips around the island and nearby coastline;

Horse riding through forests and dunes ;

Nature walks in the Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve ;

Visiting local markets and enjoying family picnics on the beach

Food & Local Specialities

Food is an important part of any visit to Île de Ré. Thanks to its coastal location, seafood features heavily on restaurant menus, with freshly caught oysters, mussels and fish available throughout the island.

Other local specialities include:

Ré oysters served directly from oyster huts

Fleur de Sel harvested from the island’s salt marshes

Locally produced potatoes (Pommes de Terre de l’Île de Ré AOP)

Pineau des Charentes and Cognac from the surrounding region

Fresh pastries, crêpes and artisan ice cream

Local wines produced from the island’s vineyards.

Many villages host regular morning markets where families can pick up fresh bread, cheeses, fruit and picnic supplies before heading to the beach.

Getting to Île de Ré

Reaching Île de Ré from the UK is straightforward.

Many families drive through France and cross the 2.9km bridge linking La Rochelle with the island. A toll applies for motor vehicles, while cyclists and pedestrians can cross free of charge. Other options include flying to La Rochelle airport, taking the TGV train to La Rochelle from Paris, driving from the ferry ports of Caen, Cherbourg, St Malo or Le Havre as part of a road trip. Once you arrive, many families leave the car parked and spend the rest of the holiday exploring by bike.

Why Families Love Île de Ré

Île de Ré perfectly combines everything that makes a family holiday in France so memorable. Safe cycling, beautiful beaches, picturesque villages, excellent food and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere make it one of the country’s most enjoyable coastal destinations.

Whether you’re building sandcastles on a wide sandy beach, cycling through vineyards, sampling fresh seafood by the harbour or watching the sunset over the Atlantic, it’s easy to see why families return to Île de Ré year after year.