Can you help me compare ile d'oleron to ile de re please?

[goonIcantakeit]

E went to ile de re last year. We liked it so much that we're thinking of going back. But that seems a bit conservative!
So I wondered about Ile d'oleron. Is it similar? We loved the cycling, beaches and charm. Is it like that. And the children would have liked a bigger water park but the jury's out on that one.

Thank you

"We" not "e"

Haven't been to Ile De Re, but have been to Oleron.

The impression I get is that Re is more upmarket and exclusive, and chichi.

We loved Oleron, for the reasons you say....we cycled to the beaches, had fun in the markets, ate very well and had a great family holiday. Didn't do water parks so can't comment on that. We stayed in a cottage but I think there's also a fair bit of camping there too.

I prefer the Ile de Re as there is a lot of variety, differnt towns/villages to explore, you are close to La Rochelle or Puy de Fou if you want a day or two away (although bridge fees are quite expensive in high season). The beaches are better supervised and there is more variety. Cycling paths are more established and you have better choices in regards to accommodtion, shopping, markets, attractions, restaurants etc..

Ile d'Oleron is better if you want it quieter but it is still very popular (more with French) so you won't escape the crowds. It is further south (longer drive) and it is marshier - therefore more bugs and mozzies (I got bitten to death there so maybe I'm prejudiced) You are closer to other attractions such as Royan or Saintes but there are fewer choices to explore on the island itself. Not much variety and some villages are pretty grotty. It is very much seen as a "working" island - so you are less likely to benefit from the same accommodation or dining choices as the Ile de Re.

I would suggest base yourself on the Ile de Re and visit Oleron - it is good for a day trip not as a base for a longer break - others may disagree though. Alternatively look at Noirmouitier or southern Vendee.

Have a lovely holiday whatever you decide.

Oleron is much smaller, more laid back and you don't have to pay go over the bridge...

Il de Re is a bit more upmarket. Oleron is very French, and also gets very very busy - the queues to get on to the island in August are loooooong. Also not much in the way of hotels if that is what you would be looking for, much more camping / cottage rental.

We love it there and the beaches are great.

We have been to both and we prefer Ile de Re. Its more up market and prettier, but still with cycling , pine forests and lovely beaches. We also have our favorites on Ile de re with the bar du zinc pop up fish place behind the market and the fab Taxi Bousse with pool....
My friends parents go the Ile d'oleron because there are lots of nudist beaches.... ( i dont remember that)

We've been to both, stayed on the Il de Re but only spent a day on Orelon. The Il de Re was much nicer, as pp said much prettier with stunning beaches. We went at the very end of August when peak season is just coming to an end and it wasn't too busy. I also got bitten to death where we camped on the mainland near the bridge to Orelon, and mosquitoes don't normally bother me too much, I can remember going to a pharmacy and begging for help, it was horrendous!

We visited a bird sanctuary on Orelon and a small zoo park on Re and the Re offering was much better