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Endless stretches of beaches. Charming landscapes that beckon cycling and exploring in the slow lane. Oodles of activities for children and adults alike. Pleasant temperatures in the thick of summer. Welcome to Ile de Ré, the perfect destination for your family holiday. From tiny tots to teens, the pearl of the Atlantic Ocean is sure to appeal to the whole family. Read on for kid-friendly activities, towns, and beaches to help you plan an unforgettable week-long trip or short stay.
Boasting over 100km of coastline, it is no surprise that Ile de Ré is renowned for its long sandy beaches. On the edge of a forest near Les-Portes-en-Ré, Trousse-Chemise is popular among families for its wild authenticity. Time your visit at low tide to walk the Bucheron sandbar. At the island's northeastern tip, the 3km white-sand beach Conche des Baleines lures surfers while nearby Petit Bec is ideal for swimming. Families appreciate the lifeguards and bathing cabins at Cible Beach in Saint-Martin-de-Ré and the kids clubs, picnic tables, and beach games at Plage des Gollandières in Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré. Want to spend all day at the beach during your summer holiday on Ile de Ré? Here are some of the best places for picnics on Ile de Ré.
A bevy of outdoor activities and experiences ensure you'll never get bored on your Ile de Ré family holiday. Thanks to the island's flat topography and 110kms of paths, cycling is one of the best ways to explore at a leisurely pace. You can find rental bikes in the main villages. Ile de Ré's many beaches host a wealth of water sports for all ages, perfect for when the temperatures rise. Get your thrills by stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, and jet skiing. Hit the open seas on a catamaran or sailboat. Your Villanovo concierge can even book you a sailing lesson for the whole family. Surf schools can be found across the island, with the best waves found on the southern side of Ile de Ré. Be sure to check the tide chart before venturing out. At low tide, head to the foreshore to go shore fishing. Your little ones will don rubber boots and search for shellfish with a net and bucket.
Classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France, Ars-en-Ré has a beautiful daily market whose live-music merry-go-round is a hit with kids. In the middle of the salt marshes, the rustic village of Loix is home to the Ecomusée du Marais Salant to learn about the island's prominent industry. Saint-Martin-de-Ré, the island's capital, is an ideal place to have a meal on the lively terraces. Once a small fishing town, La Flotte has charming streets and a mediaeval-style market. One of the most beautiful villages in France, it also has a circus school for kids and teens to learn clowning and juggling! Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré boasts the largest market on the island with 150 vendors and rides for children.
Find one of the most original activities with children in Saint-Martin-de-Ré: riding a donkey that wears pants! Once used for farming, the adorable animals are now one of the most popular things to do with little ones. Head to the most quiet village on Ile de Ré, Saint-Clément-les-Baleines to climb to the top of the whale lighthouse for a panoramic view of the sea. This must-visit town is also home to the quirky Java des Baleines, where children and adults will enjoy food trucks and entertainment beneath a circus tent. In Portes-en-Ré, Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve teems with over 200 species of birds and butterflies. Looking for a unique activity to do during your Ile de Ré family holiday? Get info from the tourist office about Terra Aventura, whose geocaching adventures teach children about history and nature with a generous helping of fun.
Enjoy a warm, familial ambiance and local specialities with exotic touches by Chef Sylvie. The patio is ideal for balmy summer nights.
Address: Av. de Nouralène, Couarde-sur-Mer. +33 5 46 29 86 07
Savour fresh fish, burgers, and steaks at the trendy beach restaurant La Cible. Chose from the cosy wood interior or the beachside patio with a gorgeous view of the sea.
Address: Avenue de la Plage, Saint-Martin-de-Ré. +33 5 46 67 38 82
Tuck into oysters, shellfish, and seafaring dishes at this oyster shack. A great location above the salt marshes, don't miss the local speciality, Charentaise chowder (chaudrée charentaise), a creamy fish soup. Adults will appreciate the local wines on offer at La Cabane du Fier.
Address: Le Martray, 17590 Ars-en-Ré. +33 5 46 29 64 84
This traditional French restaurant serves home-made dishes with fresh ingredients by the amicable Chef Rémi Massé. A friendly place for the whole family!
Address: 1, Quai de la Pré, 17590 Ars-en-Ré. +33 5 46 29 40 26
Perched on Fiers d'Ars Bay and within walking distance to the Plage de Trousse-Chemise, this restaurant features a breathtaking view and simple, no-fuss cuisine made from local ingredients. Don't miss the French crêpes for dessert!
Address: 15 bis Rte de la Patache, 17880 Portes-en-Ré. +33 5 46 31 38 22
Take a break from exploring with a delicious waffle, popsicle, or scoop of ice cream at La Martinière, a family-run shop. FYI, their artisanal ice cream is sold throughout the island for a refreshing treat when the temperatures rise.
Address: 17, Quai de la Poithevinière, Saint-Martin-de-Ré. +33 5 46 09 20 99
Villanovo has thoughtfully selected a range of luxury villas to suit your every need. Choose from rentals with a private swimming pool, a heated one, a tennis court, a direct access to the beach, and a view of the sea.
Our exclusive collection includes luxury villas in Ars en Ré, Le Bois-Plage en Ré, Portes en Ré, Sainte Marie de Ré and beyond, giving luxury travellers the ideal home base for their holidays.
Our attentive concierges take care of all the details so you can concentrate on your holiday. This personalised service adapts each trip to your needs, whether you want to book a cycling tour, day care, or a private French chef. Last but not least? Villanovo offers you a beautiful travel diary for each stay in one of our villas. You'll find all our recommendations for restaurants, shops and other experiences to discover on Ile de Ré.
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