Why is the Ile de Ré the destination for this summer?
Written on : 10 June 2020 By : Léa Frémiot
Ile de Ré is a destination appreciated every year by many tourists for its charm and tranquillity. This year more than ever, the island is the object of all the attention because of the lack of the possibility to travel abroad. Discover quickly why this destination could well be the destination of many French people this summer for a unique holiday!
To escape from the Ile de Ré is to discover many small villages with undeniable charm and a reflection of the French way of life. Whether in Sainte-Marie en Ré, La Couarde-sur-mer or Saint-Clément des Baleines, you will discover small-town centres with whitewashed houses decorated with hollyhocks, numerous shops and squares where you can meet up with your loved ones to enjoy a drink in the sun or to try some of the specialities of the Ré. You will have understood that the spirit of yesteryear and the gentle way of life have never left the Ile de Ré, and this in all its villages. We also strongly advise you to take advantage of the island's numerous craft markets, as well as the "vide greniers" (empty granaries), which are much appreciated by the inhabitants who like to meet there in the joy of life and which give the villages a festive atmosphere for a day or a weekend. You will not be able to leave the island without having tasted its oysters but also its sweet delicacies such as nougat, home-made ice cream or honey. One of our favourites is L'Atelier, a small tea room that offers iced macaroons and other island-inspired sweets at La Flotte.
Magnificent landscapes
No need to go very far to discover beautiful landscapes different from those you see every day. The Ile de Ré has an exceptional fauna and flora and natural landscapes particularly well-preserved thanks to the great care of the locals to maintain wild beaches, dunes but also marshes. Indeed you will discover a diversity of landscapes to walk with your family or friends but also to rest. The island of Ré is known for its bicycle rides across the island where you can criss-cross the coast through large forests, small fishing ports and charming villages. The dunes are one of the particularities on the island of Ré and extend over more than 19km, offering a wild character to the beaches and playing a capital role. They provide protection against marine flooding and represent a real ecosystem for many plant species but also for the insects and small mammals that live there. At the same time, you will discover the salt marshes which have long contributed to the economic activity of the island and which are today visited and protected even if more than 10,000 tons of salt are still produced every year. We at Villanovo are therefore certain that you will never get tired of the Ile de Ré as there are so many things to see and so many beautiful landscapes.
A multitude of activities
Beyond the beautiful beaches, the many monuments to visit and the other natural riches that the Ile de Ré has to offer, you will find a wide range of activities for young and old alike. If you like water sports, you will find your happiness on the island which offers surfing, sailing, paddle, windsurfing or even sand yachting on the beach. There are many organisations where you can rent equipment or take lessons for all levels. If you prefer kitesurfing or windsurfing, the beaches of Gros Jonc or Sablanceaux will be ideal. At the same time, you can easily rent bikes if you want to discover the island through its numerous cycle tracks. Why not also take advantage of a stay on the island to try out or improve your horse riding skills with your friends and family? Several clubs will offer you superb rides on the beach. Don't wait any longer and book your holidays on the Ile de Ré!