Villa Manet is located to the north of Ile de Ré with some of the most beautiful beaches in France on its doorstep. Its visitors are unfailingly enchanted by unspoilt coastlines, a stunning landscape of forests, vineyards and salt marshes, as well as the charming villages dotted around this unique island - one where the French love to come en vacances. Because Ile de Ré is almost entirely flat, it’s easy to see why most visitors tend to explore it by on two wheels.
Of course, the choice is yours – St Martin de Ré is only an hour away by bike, but you may find yourself driving back to its superb variety of boutique shops – the temptation is almost unbearable! The same can be said of the restaurants, creperies and gelaterias dotted around this delightfully sophisticated harbour village – not to mention the seafood outlets, serving the finest oysters, clams, mussels and cuttlefish.
Just five minutes from Villa Manet, by car or bicycle guests can enjoy a variety of activities at Plage du Petit Bec ranging from surfing, bodyboarding, bodysurfing and longboarding lessons to an exciting boat ride. Between three and five people can climb aboard a motorboat and enjoy the thrill of the waves in style, all while enjoying the incredible coastal views.
The island is connected to the French mainland by a three-kilometre bridge, the Pont de l’ile de Ré. While this particular trip is definitely one for the more seasoned cyclist, it’s a real joy that many people return for each year. At two hours away by bike and just an hour by car, travelling along this engineering masterpiece is a treat in itself – but just wait until you see the views from it! At the other side of the bridge is the outrageously photogenic harbour town of La Rochelle, which is packed with artisanal market stalls, buskers and of course, phenomenal seafood restaurants.
The Region
Vast beaches, cycling paths, salt marshes, kite-surfing, pretty villages and fine seafood - Île de Ré is a small island on France’s Atlantic coast with endless opportunities for every generation.
The island is easily reached via the 3km long bridge from the mainland, Pont de l'île de Ré, only minutes from La Rochelle Airport. If arriving by train, Gare La Rochelle is less than 3 hours from Paris-Montparnasse via TGV whilst the ferry ports of Saint-Malo, Caen-Ouistreham and Le Havre are easily reached by car.
Be charmed by the island’s main town, Saint-Martin-de-Ré, steeped in history with its half-timbered houses, flower-filled lanes and Vauban citadel – indeed, the fortifications are now a UNESCO World Heritage site (guided tours can be arranged). Come across some the best ice-cream on the island at La Martinière by the bustling harbour. Stroll up to Église Saint-Martin de Ré and admire the panoramic views from its historic belltower.
Other idyllic villages include La Flotte with its characterful market and Ars en Ré surrounded by salt marshes, both classified as two of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’. There’s another great market at Le Bois Plage en Ré, a lovely little town with long sandy beaches, whilst Les Portes-en-Ré is another jewel of the island next to vast salt marshes and sandy shores. The 18-hole Golf de Trousse Chemise is just south of Les Portes-en-Ré and there is a superb cycling trail through the pine forest towards the iconic Phare des Baleines for more stunning views.
Indeed, the island is famous for its cycling routes thanks to dedicated trails through vineyards, forests and salt marshes. The island is a paradise for watersport enthusiasts with kite-surfing, jet-skiing and surfing in the ocean as well as canoeing, kayaking and paddle-boarding through the marshes, a fantastic way to appreciate the island’s diverse flora and fauna.
Île de Ré’s gastronomy is also to be celebrated – discover seasonal delights such as the island’s highly regarded potatoes, cheese, samphire, honey, shellfish and of course a range of natural salt products. Since the 13th century the island has cultivated vines and there are some excellent wines to try. Finally, don’t miss experiencing the oyster huts dotted across the island, often accompanied by a glass of chilled white wine of course.
