Best beaches on Île de Ré for families, cycling stops and sunset walks

The beaches on Île de Ré are defined by their contrasts, especially between the north and the south of the island.

On the southern coast, from Rivedoux-Plage through Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré and La Couarde-sur-Mer, beaches are long, sandy and backed by dunes. This is where conditions are most favourable for families, swimming and watersports. Many beaches are supervised in summer, and cycle paths lead directly to the shore, making access easy and seamless.

On the northern side, from Rivedoux Nord to La Flotte, Saint-Martin-de-Ré and Loix, the coastline feels more sheltered and intimate. Beaches are fewer and smaller, such as Plage Nord in Rivedoux or La Cible in Saint-Martin, with pebbles such as in La Flotte, views across the Pertuis and oyster beds never far.

Further west, in Ars-en-Ré and beyond, sandy beaches become wilder and more exposed, like Grignon. Around Les Portes-en-Ré and Saint-Clément-des-Baleines, long stretches of sand meet dunes and forest, creating a raw, natural atmosphere shaped by wind, light and tides.

On the eastern side of Les Portes, beaches open onto the Fier d’Ars, offering calmer waters and a completely different perspective on the island. Each part of Île de Ré offers its own way of experiencing the coast.

Choosing the “best” beach on Île de Ré depends entirely on what you’re looking for and on the tides.

At high tide, the sea is ideal for swimming.
At low tide, the island reveals another world: rock pools, seaweed, shells and small marine life. It’s the perfect moment for exploring the ever-changing foreshore and pêche à pied, collecting shellfish (clams, cockles, oysters, mussels) and crustaceans (crabs, shrimp), a favourite family activity by the sea, deeply rooted in coastal culture.

For families, Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré and La Couarde-sur-Mer stand out with its wide sandy beaches, with multiple beach access points lining the coast, perfect for stopping off during a bike ride and spending a few relaxed hours by the sea. This is also one of the main hubs for watersports, with surf schools and paddle rental in season.

Further west, around Saint-Clément-des-Baleines, the scenery shifts again. Beaches like La Conche des Baleines or Le Lizay offer vast open views towards the lighthouse and are perfect for families.

Towards Les Portes-en-Ré, the atmosphere feels more remote and expansive.
The Banc du Bûcheron, revealed at low tide, forms an impressive sandbank stretching far into the sea and crystal clear waters. Nearby, Trousse-Chemise and La Patache offer wide landscapes overlooking the Fier d’Ars.

As the day draws to a close, the coastline takes on a different energy.

Sunset on Île de Ré is a shared ritual, a time when people gather on the beach with a cool box for an apéritif in summer, or a flask of hot chocolate on cooler days. The atmosphere softens and the light becomes something to savour.

On the southern coast, the sun sets gently across the dunes and wide, sweeping beaches.
The wooden promenade at Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré is perfect for an evening walk, with long, uninterrupted views along the shoreline.

On the western side, beaches face the open Atlantic, making them spectacular sunset spots.
Grignon beach in Ars-en-Ré, the beaches around Saint-Clément-des-Baleines, and the area near the Phare des Baleines all offer front-row views of the sun dipping into the ocean.

From the lighthouse, looking west, the next landfall is New York. A detail that suddenly puts the vastness of the Atlantic into perspective.

Another beautiful place to watch the light fade is in the salt marshes, where shallow pools reflect the sky in shifting colours, creating a calm, almost mirror-like landscape.