Make a holiday rental property or villa in Ile de Re, France your home away from home

The Ile de Re is a glorious island of nature, culture and safe beaches just off the Charente-Maritime coast in western France. The population increases hugely during the summer months as families flock to the island for the magnificent climate and safe beaches and calming ambiance. Just 30km across, any Ile de Re property is a perfect base from which to investigate the sandy beaches, salt marshes and vineyards which have made the island famous as a holiday retreat in the sun.

Things to do on holiday in Ile de Re, France

The natural beauty of the Ile de Re has been protected by strict planning controls keeping all Ile de Re properties and buildings under two stories high. Holiday properties in the Ile de Re tend to be low lying whitewashed apartments with coloured shutters and terracotta roofs. The beach is never far from a self catering Ile de Re holiday property or apartment, and the finest on the island are found to the south of the island, where the sand is soft, and there are plenty of idyllic spots to set your towel. The northern beaches are rocky and flat, with very shallow waters perfect for oyster and mussel cultivation.

Ile de Re surfing holidays are great fun. The shallow beaches of Le Bois Plage and La Couarde are battered by huge Atlantic breakers, perfect for surfing. Ile de Re is home to a number of surf schools providing lessons for children who have never tried the sport before to refresher courses for those with a few waves under their belt. Waterskiing, wake boarding and kite surfing in the Ile de Re also thrive, and there are some exceptional places to go sailing, take a lesson or hire a yacht and discover your own spot of paradise on the Ile de Re.

There has always been a strong connection between the Ile de Re and horses, and that continues to this day. There are a range of excellent stables on the island, as well as a maze of magnificent bridle paths taking riders to some of the most spectacular viewpoints on the island. Walking holidays from Ile de Re holiday properties are also very enjoyable.

After a long day on the beaches or in the hills, there are three spa centres in which to get pampered. Regardless of the location of your Ile de Re apartment, a spa centre will not be far away, specialising in thalassotherapy, the use of the maritime environment for the benefits of your health. Whether you are feeling under the weather or not, an afternoon in a thalassotherapy centre from your Ile de Re apartment couldn’t be more relaxing!

Places to visit on holiday in Ile de Re, France

The islands capital, St-Martin de Re is a stunning fishing port in the north of the island. Surrounded by 17th century fortifications, St Martin de Re has a glorious atmosphere, maintained by the street café culture and seaside location.

Weather in Ile de Re, France

During the long summer months, temperatures in the Ile de Re average over 30˚C (July and August), bringing swarms of tourists to self catering Ile de Re properties. For the rest of the year, there is a mystical feel to the Ile de Re, as the crowds disappear, despite average temperatures remaining above 10˚C throughout the year.

Cheap flights to Ile de Re, France

The Airport La Rochelle – Ile de Re (LRH), lies just outside La Rochelle on the French mainland, and is connected to the Ile de Re by a 3km toll bridge. EasyJet, Ryanair and Flybe provide direct flights to Ile de re Airport from Bristol (BRS), London Gatwick (LGW), Southampton (SOU), Manchester (MAN) and Dublin (DUB).