They say that places caressed by light with a certain persistence are much happier with a certain optimism that goes beyond the mere banality breathe. In Ile de Re without a doubt, light is the philosopher’s stone. In fact, it receives each year many days of bright skies as the famous French Riviera in the Mediterranean. The gentle breeze and the smell of salt flood the streets of white houses and hollyhocks always ready to be sniffed with delight. Across from La Rochelle lies an island marked by a town full of beauty and vitality, gorgeous sandy beaches, an intense story that is seen in the construction of defensive bastions that became immortal and powerful headlights.
Island of Re (Ile de Re in French), is one of the most surprising and pleasant holiday breaks throughout France. It is a parenthesis of light and tranquility in the bravery of an Atlantic island showing an unusual docility. It has many attractions to see and enjoy, some essential and others simply for consumer tastes.
An island with history
Apparently when the Romans came to this place it was not one island but three. After a couple of millenniums of human activity, which promoted land reclamation gradually and by the action of nature, it became the great island that we see today. Ile de Re, 30 kilometers long and 5 wide, slightly smaller than the neighboring Ile d’Oleron, is a natural barrier that arises within walking distance of the city of La Rochelle, which was used at the time for shielding the French Atlantic coast from British raids. Between La Rochelle and Ré Island there is only a bridge which has been operating since 1998. Prior to its construction the island could only be reached by ferry or private yacht.
What to see in Ile de Re
If you do not plan to spend a long holiday in Ile de Re you should be aware of the best places to visit that the island has to offer. It is one of the most bike-friendly destinations in France and people rent bikes to go from one place to another. There are over 100 kilometers of bike paths and also the island is completely flat, making it ideal for this transportation during your stay. Here are the most interesting places to see during our trip:
Saint-Martin-de-Ré
Saint-Martin-de-Ré is probably the biggest attraction on the island. It was here that an impressive Vauban citadel was established. Although we only see it walking down walls and gates, an aerial photo would reveal that Saint-Martin is star-shaped. It is the jewel in the crown of the Marshal of France under Louis XIV. Its complex design makes these walls part of the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. What was once a guarantee for the stability of trade in salt and wine as well as the transfer of prisoners to the French overseas colonies, today embraces one of the most interesting, beautiful and lively towns on the island. The port of Saint-Martin-de-Ré is involved in a network of white houses where there are only gray, blue or green colors on doors or shutters. Older buildings retain their whitish tones and many serve as shops or restaurant. It is by far the busiest place of Ile de Ré, especially in summer. It also features very popular night market which is established during the summer and where you can shop late at night.
Ars-en-Ré
On the other end of the island you can find the perfect retreat in Ars-en-Ré which is in the list of The most beautiful villages in France. White and flowered streets, riddled with hollyhocks. That and the black and white church tower, which is so high that it has long served as a reference for the ships and fishermen that come from the sea, are reason enough to visit.
The lighthouse of whales
At the west end of Ile de Ré looking towards the sky and sea is the lighthouse of whales, an icon and a must see spot of the island. It is 57 meters high, one of the highest in Europe, and they say that its light can be seen more than 50 kilometers away. Its function as a guide for sailors from long ago is not the only, as it is one of the most visited tourist resorts on the island. From the lighthouse one can get without doubt the best panoramic view of Ile de Re.
Photos: Ian Nixon, Maxine Pagnoux, Franck Vallet, Arnaud David, Laurent, caminantek.
