It is summer again in France, and just like any other summer that precedes it, tourists will come to St Tropez en masse. Instagrammable Pastel-Hue buildings, $ 12 gelatos and sunset parties at Nikki Beach … How original.
Were JourneyYour leading independent travel news sourceUnveiling Europe’s best kept secrets. As we have learned from our travel journals over the years, the most authentic and incredible destinations are often those locals visits.
That is for the French Île de Réan island for the west coast of the country, on the Atlantic side, the home of only about 17,000 inhabitants, and the kind of unspoilt culture You don’t get to the French Riviera:
Is Île de Ré France’s best kept secret?
By one New study Led by Elabe, a well-repaired level and consultancy in France, is the only destination that is the dream of the French of Fransen to visit the most this summer and to exceed Côte d’Azur and Corsica.
Can you blame them?
Just 19 miles long and 3.1 miles wide at the widest point, is Île de Ré one historic coastal community Famous in France because of its Paradisaian sandy beaches, picturesque fishing villages that have not been changed in the least and lush nature for the past 150-200 years.
A capital listed by the UNESCO
The most important attraction on the island is the capital and the largest arrangement, Saint-Martin-de-RéA beautiful port city diverted by defensive walls, and peppered with relaxed cafés, family business boulangeriesand heritage houses.
The defensive system and well-preserved 17th-century city company form one UNESCO World Heritage known as the Vauban -Vesting WorksAnd there is no doubt that Saint-Martin-de-Ré is a must-see for visitors to the island.
The port of Saint-Martin houses various affordable dining options, such as Le Belem, where you can gap Moules-Frites And freshly caught fish, or creperie la Sarrasine, who serves the best ham-and-cheese galettes in the city, all at affordable prices.
Delicious French food at affordable prices
On average a sit-down meal at one of those no-frills, in the city center brasseries visited by the locals Will put you back $ 14 – $ 20While a more extensive, 3-course dinner overlooking the harbor is an average of $ 45.
Prices can certainly vary, especially in high season when they tend to go up, but as you can check yourself TripadvisorIt is almost a consensus among visitors Île de Ré is on the cheaper side Compared to other tourist French vacation places.
It is no wonder that the French themselves come here instead of Saint Tropez!
On the other hand, if you come for a long-term weekend, which we highly recommend to you, what there is really so much to see than just Saint-Martin-Daard we will soon be on-first his guest houses and B&BS From just $ 85 per person (for 2 adults).
What to see in Ré Buiten Saint-Martin
If you are wondering what else there is to see on his photo-perfect capital, you need 62 miles of coastline, old lighthouses and picturesque cycle paths that lead to untouched nature reserves wait for discovery.
Historical Lighthouses
Speaking of lighthouses, the Phare des Baleines is probably the first place to catch the sunset everywhere.
The western tip of the island occupies, it is open to visitors to climb – if 257 steps do not turn off – and it offers a beautiful view of the Azure Sea.
Salt marsh
The island is just as popular because of its salt marshes as it is for its Atlantic nature, and tourists are welcome to the Écomusée du Marais SalantA museum dedicated to the age -old salt production and the life of the island, near Loix, in the north.
Picturesque fishing villages
For a taste of the local life, away from the always busy St-Martin, look out Ars-en-Révoted One of the most beautiful villages in FranceWith its iconic black and white church striker (historically used by sailors as a navigation monument) and picturesque marina.
However, our personal favorite must be La Flotte: characterized by the characteristic off-white houses with green shutters anchored by the harbor, and his Medieval farmers marketOpen every day from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM, it feels like St-Martin’s compact, Even more peaceful Little sister.
Oh, and most travel publications will usually not tell you this, but you can even visit the ruins of a medieval abbey near La Flotte, at Abbaye des Châteliers.
Beautiful Atlantic beaches
Of course, one of the main reasons is why the French are driving all the way to Ré in the summer, largely abandonedunspoilt sandy beaches.
From Le Bois-Plage to La Conche des Baleines, there are different options for each traveler, whether you prefer to be fully undeveloped or busier areas with more facilities keeping in mind that this is not ‘St Trop‘, So none of the exclusive beach clubs.
The beach that is closest to the lighthouse is the lively on the island, while the northeastern side, near Loix, and especially Rivedoux-Plage, is stiller.
If you are the adventurous kind, and you have taken a bike, you can even go on the popular La Vélodyssée bicycle route, that Loops around the entire coastVisiting small fishing villages, secret, unmarked bays and other beautiful beaches.
Keep in mind that this is the Atlantic Ocean, Not the Mediterranean Sea: The water can freeze cold, no matter how hot it is on a summer day!
How to go to the island when you visit France this summer
The island is just outside the coastline of La Rochelle, another charming medieval gem we have written extensively about here, and it is easy to reach via the Pont de l’île de RéA bridge that connects with the mainland.
Non -Stop Driving from Paris to the Ré -access point takes just under 5 hoursAnd it is an even shorter 1 hour at a 41 -minute drive from Nantes. As you can see, this is not a remote island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean that can only be reached via a long boat transition.
It is perfectly accessible! The shocking part is that there are few international tourists:
It is one of the less visited destinations of France, with fewer than 3 million visitors a year, and 81% of those who are French Back in 2019. In other words, very little Étrangers-That is French for annoying, beret covered, baguette in his hand Instagrammers, ha!-come here.
This helps to keep ré authentic and unmistakable française through and through.
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