Ile de Ré by bike
With over 140 kilometers of cycle paths, the Ile de Ré is a cyclist's paradise. If you're feeling sporty, take advantage of your camping holiday to cycle around theisland.
A 90 km loop
Is it a crazy challenge to cycle all the way around theIle de Ré? Not really, because the island is completely flat, with virtually no gradients. Even the most inexperienced cyclists can tackle the task. Distance covered: 90 km! Two days are all it takes to tour the island of Ré, with short stages. For the record, the island is 25 kilometers long. Its width varies from 5 km to just 100 m at its narrowest point (the Martray isthmus).
To find your way around: 4 cycling information points
Listed as aUNESCO World Heritage Site, the Citadelle and fortifications of Saint-Martin-de-Ré are a must-see during your camping holiday on the Ile de Ré.
A little history
Four information points are open throughout the summer to provide cyclists and tourists with information and guidance on RATP's cycle paths: safety rules and good cycling practice, tourist information on itineraries, sightseeing tips, distances and estimated journey times, etc.
- La Maison du Fier (Les Portes-en-Ré)
- Sablanceaux (Rivedoux)
- Gros Jonc beach (Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré)
- Le Martray (Ars-en-Ré)
Suggested itineraries for cycling around the island
Departure from Les Sablanceaux in Rivedoux, off the Ile de Ré bridge.
- Stage 1: Plage Gros Jonc to Bois-Plage-en-Ré, via the village of Sainte-Marie. Things to see and do: the vineyards of the Retais, the Peu des Aumonts stele (highest point on the Ile de Ré), the Ancre Maritaise and the Cabane Montamer (events and exhibitions on the natural and built heritage).
- Stage 2: Le Martray and Ars-en-Ré, with a stopover at La Couarde-sur-Mer. Don't miss: La Couarde's flower-filled alleyways, Ars' iconic black-and-white bell tower.
- Stage 3: La Maison du Fier and Les Portes-en-Ré. On the way: La Conche beach, Baleines lighthouse, Lilleau national nature reserve.
- Stage 4: Return to Le Martray to reach the Loix peninsula, then Saint-Martin-de-Ré by the sea. Places to visit: the salt marsh eco-museum, Loix & Savons, the Citadelle of Saint-Martin-de-Ré.
- Stage 5: La Flotte-en-Ré to Rivedoux to complete the loop. Discover La Flotte's medieval port and covered market, the Châteliers abbey and La Prée fort.
Worried about going the distance? In July and August, Vélo-Mouettes shuttles run between each cycling information point. They are equipped with a trailer to transport your bikes (€1 per trip).