Ile de Re (France) recommendations

[EKP]

Hello,

We are going to Ile de Re (staying in La Couarde) for the first time this summer with our kids - 6 & 8 years old. If anyone has any recommendations for places to see/things to do/where to eat on Ile de Re I would be really grateful. I can't seem to find a good guidebook.

Also, if anyone has taken kids and bikes how did you get on?

Thanks v much.

Oooh watching with interest as this is also where we are going, also for the first time, this summer. We are staying near La Flotte tho.

Cycling in easy on the island, there are loads of cycle paths and it is pretty flat.

TBH the island is very much about beach and water sports, there is not much to do otherwise (but if the weather is lovely what more do you need?)

La Rochelle is definately worth a visit, the aquarium particularly, but beware if you go on a rainy day in August the queues are horrendous.

Oh and try this website for more details:

www.holidays-iledere.co.uk/

The Il de Re is very laid back and totally geared up for family cycling. I'd def recommend taking your own bikes, though there are plenty of hire places too. The island is only 30km long by 5km wide, but has 100km of cycle paths. Most are dedicated tracks, no cars allowed, making them safe for kids. They're also very flat - perfect for unfit types like me! The capital, St-Martin, is def worth a visit, particularly the harbour which is surrounded by restaurants and shops. There's even a cycle path that takes you right through the walled entrance to the town.

Agree with others, it is lovely and peaceful but there isn't much else to 'do' apart from cycling and enjoying the beach and restaurants* .
It is very expensive to get on and off the island (toll road/bridge) so plan your outings carefully.

*Lots of lovely restaurants but it is a few years since we went there so can't really recommend any specific ones.

We have been to Ile de Ré every year for the past three years, with children and with bicycles. It's super fun to cycle around.

There is masses to do on Ile de Ré - lots of sports, lots of beaches, lovely markets, plenty of history.

I had part of my honeymoon on the Ile de Re. Gorgeous place but it is essentially sailing, cycling, shopping, dining and beach stuff. Unless you are camping or like donkeys.

Get the bus to La Rochelle - easy and cheap.

There are lots of boat things in the summer to watch/do. It can be very windy so you could take a kite and do other outdoorsy stuff. La Flotte is pretty and has some nice restaurants and St Martin has more going on so def worth a visit. There is a local delicacy you can buy from all the patisseries which is a sort of cake bread and delicious.

There are several markets and you could easily cycle to one and buy things to picnic with.

There are a few spas that have opened in recent years if you want to recharge your batteries.

Take books and DVDs - the weather can be shocking one minute then brighten up the next.

We visited La Flotte 2 years ago. Unfortunately the weather was pretty awful but we still enjoyed it.

Lots of cycling hire shops, Dh and I hired a tandem which was an experience I never wish to repeat

It's a very relaxed place, lots of lovely food shops, cafes and restaurants.
Also some great clothes shops.

Thank you so much, everyone, for your messages on Ile de Re and for the link to the website. That's fantastic.
Ex