The Ile de Ré: an ideal destination for bike rides
TheIle de Ré, with its seascapes and salt marshes, boasts a remarkable historical heritage. It’s also an ideal destination for cycling. The highest point on the island is 20 meters above sea level, making it the perfect place for cyclists seeking a challenge! The island is dotted with numerous cycle paths. It’s also the best way to visit the island.
With its 100 kilometers of cycle paths, the Ile de Ré offers a wide range of itineraries for your bike rides. The tour of the island is a must.
From Rivedoux onwards, the north coast of the Ile de Ré is lined with marshes. The cycle path then returns to the coast to reach the famous Phare des Baleines lighthouse.
You’re then free to continue on to Les Portes en Ré, a small village with some of the island’s most beautiful beaches. If you pick up the track again, you can continue for a few kilometers to Bois-Plage-en-Ré, via Ars en Ré or La Couarde. At Bois-Plage-en-Ré, the tracks split, but both lead to Rivedoux. You can choose to head north along the same track as on the outward journey, or south via Sainte-Marie-de-Ré. This is a one-day tour of the island.
Itineraries to discover the island
The Ile de Ré is a great island for walking and cycling. To discover the island’s treasures, a number of itineraries are available. The first itinerary takes you to the Chemin de l’Histoire, where you can discover La Redoute des Sablanceaux in the commune of Rivedoux. This fort dates back to 1627, and was built following the siege of La Rochelle. Along the way, you’ll also come across the ruins of the 12th-century Abbaye des Châteliers. Continuing on, you come to the pretty village of La Flotte-en-Ré. You’ll finish this stage in the commune of Saint-Martin-de-Ré, the island’s historic capital. Take advantage of your visit to discover Vauban’s fortifications, built around 1680 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The second route takes you to the countryside. The starting point is the commune of Saint-Martin. From here, there are several routes to choose from. The first takes you to the center of the island, passing through agricultural and wine-growing trails. This route, if you persist, will take you all the way to Bois-Plage.
Wind your way through maritime pines and tamarinds along sandy paths to the superb beaches of Les Gollandières and Gros Jonc, hidden behind the dunes. Along the vineyards and stretches of fine sand, you can’t miss the village of La Couarde.
Another route from Saint-Martin to the Loix peninsula takes you along the coastal path. It’s a great way to enjoy the sea air and contemplate the immensity of the ocean.
The slopes around La Tour des Prises campsite
Located around bicycle paths, La Tour des Prises campsite(proposing the bike rental on the Ile de Ré) is a family campsite, ideal for relaxing while enjoy idyllic bike rides on the island’s most beautiful cycle paththe one that leads to Loix through the marshes. Located in the commune of La Couarde-sur-Mer, La Tour des Prises campsite is ideal for cycling enthusiasts. Situated in the heart of the Ile de Ré, this village is at the crossroads of all cycling routes. With its ideal, strategic location, it’s the ideal starting point for all your cycling tours. Get on your bike and set off on a forty-kilometer tour from La Couarde sur mer. This route takes you to Bois-Plage en Ré, via Saint Martin de Ré to Loix. For slower riders, allow a full day to complete the route. As for the fastest, half a day should be enough. This tour will introduce you to the main products of the Île de Ré terroir, starting with vines and wine, market gardening and in particular AOC potatoes, as well as oysters and, of course, salt.
From La Couarde, through the vineyards towards Bois Plage en Ré, you can take the northern route towards Saint Martin-de-Ré, skirting the Fier d’Ars bay. Leaving Saint Martin in the direction of La Couarde, follow the seafront and you’ll see the small village of Loix en Ré on your right. If you turn right on the outskirts of La Couarde, follow the signs for Ars-en-Ré and you’ll arrive in Loix in just a few minutes. If you’ve enjoyed your walk from Saint Martin to Loix, take it back to La Couarde sur Mer. This cycle path passes 50 meters from the Prises beach.
