Are you able to take your bikes with you on your camping vacation on the Ile de Ré? Don't hesitate! The whole of the island is equipped for cyclists: from Rivedoux to Saint-Clément-les-Baleines, the 10 villages on the island are linked by a track that allows you to cycle around the island. The distance between two villages is always less than 10 km, making cycling a family-friendly way to get around the island, even with young children. The cycle path on the Ile de Ré is linked to the network of greenways and trails in La Rochelle, and in particular to the Vélodyssée, which leads to Châtelaillon, Rochefort and Royan. So you can even arrive on the island by bike! The bridge has a double lane reserved for cyclists, and passage is free for non-motorized vehicles. Bicycles are also accepted on the maritime shuttle that runs between the port of La Rochelle and the island of Ré. For a stopover of a few days during your itinerary on the Vélodyssée, or for a car-free summer vacation with no parking constraints, the Ile de Ré is an authentic cycling destination!
Don't have your own bikes, or finding it difficult to transport them? Slow Village can rent you one! Situated just 200 m from the "voie verte" cycle path that criss-crosses the island, our campsite is the ideal place to discover the island in a gentle way, and to get around the Ile de Ré by bus without any constraints: the port, the citadel and the donkeys in breeches of Saint-Martin-de-Ré can be reached in less than 10 minutes, and the medieval market of La Flotte in 10 to 12 minutes, on safe routes that are ideal for family outings. The bike rental service at our campsite in the heart of the Ile de Ré offers a range of options to suit all tastes: a day's rental to enjoy a family bike ride and explore one of the island's 6 tourist bike circuits, or a week's rental for all your short trips in "Slowcomotion" mode: shopping, markets, sightseeing, nature walks and discovering the island's historic villages. Rear seats, cargo bikes, trailers or simply small bikes: your children won't be forgotten, and will be able to enjoy your cycling excursions to the full.
Would you like to discover the island by bike during your stay at the Slow Village campsite? More than 110 kilometers of bike paths wind their way through marshes, forests, coastal landscapes and ancient alleyways, inviting you to discover the island's wide variety of scenery. Rivedoux-Plage is just 1.5 hours from the Baleines lighthouse, so you can easily organize a day tour of the island by bike, with a picnic on the beach or in the salt marshes. From our campsite on the Ile de Ré, first reach Rivedoux via La Flotte, then head up the south coast of the island to Saint-Clément via Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, le Bois-Plage and Ars-en-Ré. On the way back to Saint-Martin, you'll pass through Les Portes-en-Ré, Loix and La Couarde-sur-Mer. You can also cycle several short loops of between 1h and 3h in different landscapes: forest paths on the north coast; country paths from the fortifications of Saint-Martin; gourmet paths in the south or north of the island, between markets, oyster huts, market gardening cooperatives and salt marshes; or the marsh paths around the Fier d'Ars, to discover the unique, unspoilt flora and fauna. Book your accommodation at the Slow Village campsite in St Martin now to explore the Ile de Ré by bike!
The port of Saint-Martin-de-Ré, on the north coast of the island, opens onto the Pertuis Breton and has existed since the Middle Ages. It was around this harbor that the island's urban core was built, and its commercial and strategic position soon made Saint-Martin-de-Ré the historic economic capital of the Rhaetan territory.
Your vacation on the Ile de Ré will be an opportunity to visit the sites and buildings that are the pride of the people of the island. Among the must-sees is the emblematic Baleines lighthouse, whose long silhouette stands facing the Atlantic at the western end of the island. The Baleines site comprises buildings of different ages: the old tower, built on the orders of Minister Colbert in 1669, is a strategic maritime observatory, providing advanced protection for Rochefort's fledgling arsenal.
The jewel of the Île de Ré, the fortifications of Saint-Martin-de-Ré are the work of Vauban. Built under Louis XIV in 10 years, from 1681 to 1691, they bear the signature of the famous royal engineer, with their typical star-shaped architecture.
The Ile de Ré boasts a wealth of markets, much appreciated by visitors to the region. There's nothing like strolling through these markets to stock up on local produce, pick up souvenir gifts or simply relax during your stay in Charente-Maritime.
Planning your outdoor vacation? Find out what to do on the Ile de Ré during your stay. Between water sports, cycling, beaches, salt marshes, visits to the most beautiful villages, beaches and relaxing by the pool, you'll find out what to do during your vacation in an open-air hotel on the Ile de Ré.
If the Charente coastline is a popular destination for surfers, the Ile de Ré is no exception, offering some of the finest spots in the area. The swell breaks in the south-west of the island, making a large number of beaches ideal for surfers of all levels.
In a landscape dominated by water, between sea and marsh at the tip of the island, the village of Les Portes-en-Ré is a must-see during your stay at Slow Village in Saint Martin de Ré. Just 23 km away, it's a great place to take a bicycle tour. Its territory is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the island, open to the open sea or the Pertuis Breton.
The history of vine-growing on the island dates back to the 13ᵉ century: cultivated by the Cistercian monks of the Châteliers abbey, it continued to exist on the island long after their departure driven by the Wars of Religion. By 1950, vine-growing was at its peak on the island, occupying more than 2,000 hectares. It was also at this time that the island's winegrowers decided to form a wine cooperative.
Leave with peace of mind
Lowest price guarantee
By booking directly on our website
Book with peace of mind
Payment is 100% secure
Flexible offer
Easy cancellation of your stay for even greater flexibility
