Saint-Martin-de-Ré

Cycle paths on the Île de Ré

Written by Alize
June 4, 2026
Cycle paths on the Île de Ré
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With over 130 kilometers of dedicated bike paths, cycling on Île de Ré isn’t just a pastime—it’s a way of life. Right outside our property, the safe cycling network lets you easily connect the island’s ten villages without ever encountering traffic. It’s the perfect way to soak up the Île de Ré atmosphere, breathe in the sea air, and cycle from pine forests to salt marshes in just a few pedal strokes during your stay at Slow Village.

The Ile de Ré, cycling destination par excellence

Can you bring your bikes along for your camping vacation on Île de Ré? Don’t hesitate! The entire island is designed with cyclists in mind: from Rivedoux to Saint-Clément-les-Baleines, the 10 villages of Île de Ré are connected by a bike path that lets you cycle all the way around the island. The distance between any two villages is always less than 10 km, making cycling a family-friendly and accessible way to get around the island, even with young children.

The Île de Ré bike path is connected to La Rochelle’s network of greenways and bike paths, including the Vélodyssée, which leads to Châtelaillon, Rochefort, and Royan. So you can even arrive on the island by bike! The bridge has a two-lane path reserved for cyclists, and passage is free for non-motorized vehicles.

Bicycles are also allowed on the ferry that runs between the port of La Rochelle and Île de Ré. Whether you’re planning a stopover for a few days during your cycling tour along the Vélodyssée or a car-free summer vacation without the hassle of parking, Île de Ré is a true cycling destination!

The Slow Village Saint-Martin-de-Ré, 200 m from the cycle paths

Don’t have bikes, or is it hard to bring them along? Slow Village Campground has bikes for rent! Located just 200 meters from the greenway bike path that crisscrosses the island, our campground is the perfect vacation spot for exploring the island at a leisurely pace and getting around Île de Ré by bus without any hassle: the port, the citadel, and the donkeys in Saint-Martin-de-Ré are all less than 10 minutes away, and the medieval market in La Flotte is 10 to 12 minutes away, along safe routes perfect for family outings.

Our campground’s bike rental service, located in the heart of Île de Ré, offers a variety of options to suit your needs: daily rentals for a lovely family bike ride and to explore one of the island’s six scenic bike trails, or weekly rentals to get around at a leisurely pace: shopping, markets, sightseeing, nature walks, and exploring the island’s historic villages. Rear seats, cargo bikes, trailers, or simply smaller bikes: we haven’t forgotten your children, and they too can fully enjoy your bike excursions.

Cycling around the Ile de Ré

Are you interested in exploring the island by bike during your stay at the Slow Village campground? Over 110 kilometers of bike paths winding through marshes, forests, coastal landscapes, and historic streets invite you to discover the island’s diverse scenery. It takes about 1.5 hours to get from Rivedoux-Plage to the Baleines Lighthouse, so you can easily plan a day-long bike tour around the island, with a picnic on the beach or in the salt marshes.

From our campground on Île de Ré, first head to Rivedoux via La Flotte, then follow the island’s southern coast up to Saint-Clément, passing through Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, Le Bois-Plage, and Ars-en-Ré. On your way back to Saint-Martin, you’ll pass through Les Portes-en-Ré, Loix, and La Couarde-sur-Mer.

Several short loops ranging from 1 to 3 hours can also be explored by bike, each offering a different landscape: forest trails along the north coast; country lanes from the fortifications of Saint-Martin; gourmet trails in the south or north of the island, passing through markets, oyster huts, vegetable cooperatives, and salt marshes; or the marsh trails around the Fier d’Ars, where you can discover unique and well-preserved flora and fauna. Book your stay now at the Slow Village campground in Saint-Martin-de-Réto explore Île de Ré by bike!

What can you do on Île de Ré after a bike ride?

Saint-Martin-de-Ré

The Port of Saint-Martin-de-Ré

Immerse yourself in the heart of the island's historic capital! With its lively terraces, flower-filled streets, and Vauban heritage, the port of Saint-Martin-de-Ré awaits you for a timeless stroll. Discover our gourmet addresses and access tips just a few minutes by bike from Slow Village.

Hugo
Saint-Martin-de-Ré

The Whale Lighthouse

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.

Léa
Saint-Martin-de-Ré

The citadel of Saint-Martin-de-Ré

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.

Léa
Saint-Martin-de-Ré

The 5 best markets on the Île de Ré

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.

Hugo
Saint-Martin-de-Ré

Visits: what to do on the Ile de Ré?

Get ready for your vacation on Île de Ré! From the top of the Phare des Baleines lighthouse to the salt marshes of Loix, explore iconic sites and unmissable water sports. Enjoy a 100% relaxing, nature-filled stay near your Slow Village.

Hugo
Saint-Martin-de-Ré

Surfing on the Ile de Ré

Where to surf on Île de Ré? From accessible waves at Les Grenettes to technical tubes at La Pergola, discover our top 5 best spots and surf schools near your Slow Village for an unforgettable session.

Hugo
Saint-Martin-de-Ré

The beaches of Portes-en-Ré

Explore the wild beaches of Portes-en-Ré, at the tip of the island. Between the famous Trousse-Chemise forest and the Petit Bec surf spots, discover where to lay down your towel for a day of relaxation or sport during your stay at Slow Village.

Hugo
Saint-Martin-de-Ré

Île de Ré wines

Discover the Ré region: from the Abbaye des Châteliers to the Uniré cooperative, explore the history of winegrowing on the Île de Ré. Wine tastings, walks through the vineyards, and cellar tours await you just a stone's throw from your Slow Village.

Hugo