Sailing to the Ile de Ré: our 3 tips!

Sea trip to the Île de Ré

Whether you’re abudding privateer or a Crusoe in search of peace and quiet, there’s a good reason to take to the open seas in summer. Why not take a trip to the Ile de Ré? Put on your sunglasses and discover our 3 tips for sailing in freedom.

Tip no. 1

Taking the easy way out

©velodyssee-la-rochelle-tourism-agency-storytellers-10|Gregory Cassiau

Organising a trip to the Ile de Ré? It’s child’s play. All you need to do is :

? Consult the tide tables. If you don’t, you’ll be stuck on the quayside! (That would be a shame)

? Buy your ticket at the Châtelaillon Tourist Office.

? Take your bike with you. The best way to explore the island at your own pace.

? Board the train with your bike. Châtelaillon station, departure imminent!

⚓️ Get off at La Rochelle, 800 metres from where you embark at the port.

Why make it complicated when you can make it Châtelaillon?

Tip no. 2

Admire the sea

Embark on the L’Amour des îles water shuttle (you can’t make that up!) and let yourself be seduced by the calm landscape as it passes by. Pass under the island’s majestic bridge, flirt with the ramparts of Saint-Martin, and you’ve arrived in one of the most beautiful villages on Ré la Blanche.

Psst: Don’t forget your cap and sun cream for your little sea dogs! The sun can shine brightly at this time of year.

©Port_de_plaisance_de_Saint-Martin-de-Re_17288|© Betty DESMIER / CMT ; Charentes Tourisme

Find out more about the maritime shuttle

La Rochelle – Île de Ré shuttle brochure

Gilding the lily

©Flowered_alleyways_of_Loix_village_26239|© Charlotte BARRIERE / CT ; Charentes Tourisme

Calmer than summer and milder than winter, spring is the ideal time to enjoy the island by bike. Enjoy the colourful lanes, fragrant gardens and famous cones from the La Martinière ice cream parlour. Taking it easy or basking in the glow: it’s hard to choose…

What next? To port, it’s the great Phare des Baleines lighthouse and its breathtaking view of the sea. To starboard, it’s a unique walk through the famous marshes. A visit that’s sure to please!

Find out more about the cycling routes from Saint-Martin

For further information