Day 1: Sports route surrounded by land and sea

Distance: 16 km by bus – 50 minutes / approx. 45 km by bicycle After arriving at La Rochelle station, a 50-minute bus ride will take you to Sainte-Marie-de-Ré , one of the oldest villages on the island. With its rural nature and history as a winegrowing village , Sainte-Marie-de-Ré is an unspoilt, authentic place to visit. After dropping off your luggage and a half-hour bicycle ride, appreciate the change of scenery with oyster tasting in an oyster hut overlooking the ocean . The view will be breathtaking! Yet, remember you will need your breath to cycle to Ars-en-Ré , along a cycle path that takes you into the very heart of the marshes. Enjoy the view of the island from the sea by taking a boat trip on a typical Cazavant sailing boat to discover the Fier d’Ars , a bay renowned for its wild landscape and biodiversity . At the end of the day, cycle back to Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, stopping in Saint-Martin-de-Ré for some delicious food en route.

Day 2: Salt marshes and relaxation

Distance: approx. 35 km by bicycle This second day’s programme includes a tour of the salt marshes by stand-up paddle. Take the opportunity to discover Île de Ré in a different way, and enjoy breathtaking views of the unique landscape. Your guide will show you the wildlife and plants in the area, and raise awareness of the need to protect this unspoilt natural environment. After lunch in the typical village square of Loix (itself once an island), head back to the beach at La Couarde-sur-Mer or Sainte-Marie-de-Ré for a private yoga class. True relaxation is guaranteed!

Day 3: Board sports and seawater

Distance: approx. 20 km by bicycle / 16 km by bus – 50 minutes On your last day, head for Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré, where you can take advantage of the extensive beaches on the south of the island to try out (or perfect your skills) at water sports. Windsurfing, catamaran, kayaking, surfing, kitesurfing, wind foil… the choice is yours! Once you feel sufficiently invigorated by the sea air and seawater, visit the Bois-Plage-en-Ré market, the largest on the island, to build up an appetite! After lunch, infused with local flavours, cycle to La Flotte or Sainte-Marie-de-Ré for an afternoon of rest and relaxation. To round off your sport-filled stay on the island, go horse riding through the forest or along the beach, or spend time in a wellness bubble with relaxing treatments and a massage. Finally, take the bus back to La Rochelle station. Go to the hotel beforehand to pick up your suitcase filled with 100% local souvenirs!

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A sport-filled environmentally-responsible weekend

Located halfway down the Atlantic coast, Île de Ré is a true paradise for those who love sport and nature. With unspoilt landscape and well-organised facilities, it is perfect for an active weekend.

Whether you are seeking adventure or wish to enjoy sport in an environmentally-responsible manner, Île de Ré offers the ideal setting for combining your holiday with a commitment to sustainability.

Transportation: bicycle and public transport
Level of difficulty: moderate (level 2/5)

A sporty, environmentally-responsible weekend on Île de Ré is the perfect opportunity to enjoy sports, discover natural landscapes and respect the environment.

The setting is idyllic for sports and adventure: cycling through the salt marches, surfing the Atlantic waves, walking through the heart of nature reserves… All whilst minimising your ecological footprint.

Programme

Day 1: Sports route surrounded by land and sea
Distance: 16 km by bus – 50 minutes / approx. 45 km by bicycle
After arriving at La Rochelle station, a 50-minute bus ride will take you to Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, one of the oldest villages on the island. With its rural nature and history as a winegrowing village, Sainte-Marie-de-Ré is an unspoilt, authentic place to visit.
After dropping off your luggage and a half-hour bicycle ride, appreciate the change of scenery with oyster tasting in an oyster hut overlooking the ocean. The view will be breathtaking! Yet, remember you will need your breath to cycle to Ars-en-Ré, along a cycle path that takes you into the very heart of the marshes.
Enjoy the view of the island from the sea by taking a boat trip on a typical Cazavant sailing boat to discover the Fier d’Ars, a bay renowned for its wild landscape and biodiversity.
At the end of the day, cycle back to Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, stopping in Saint-Martin-de-Ré for some delicious food en route.
Day 2: Salt marshes and relaxation
Distance: approx. 35 km by bicycle
This second day’s programme includes a tour of the salt marshes by stand-up paddle. Take the opportunity to discover Île de Ré in a different way, and enjoy breathtaking views of the unique landscape. Your guide will show you the wildlife and plants in the area, and raise awareness of the need to protect this unspoilt natural environment.
After lunch in the typical village square of Loix (itself once an island), head back to the beach at La Couarde-sur-Mer or Sainte-Marie-de-Ré for a private yoga class. True relaxation is guaranteed!
Day 3: Board sports and seawater
Distance: approx. 20 km by bicycle / 16 km by bus – 50 minutes
On your last day, head for Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré, where you can take advantage of the extensive beaches on the south of the island to try out (or perfect your skills) at water sports. Windsurfing, catamaran, kayaking, surfing, kitesurfing, wind foil… the choice is yours!
Once you feel sufficiently invigorated by the sea air and seawater, visit the Bois-Plage-en-Ré market, the largest on the island, to build up an appetite!
After lunch, infused with local flavours, cycle to La Flotte or Sainte-Marie-de-Ré for an afternoon of rest and relaxation.
To round off your sport-filled stay on the island, go horse riding through the forest or along the beach, or spend time in a wellness bubble with relaxing treatments and a massage.
Finally, take the bus back to La Rochelle station. Go to the hotel beforehand to pick up your suitcase filled with 100% local souvenirs!

What we love:

Unspoilt natural areas
Tasting the local produce
The variety of sports activities, on land and at sea
Relaxing sea air
All the visitor information and addresses are in the RoadBook.

Getting there

Accessible by public transport and using gentle travel options (cycling, hiking…), the low-carbon stays in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region offer you the chance to (Ré)discover destinations in France’s largest region, with a selection of original, meaningful, environmentally-responsible experiences.

Guaranteeing tourism that is mindful of its environmental, social and economic impact, the low-carbon stays foster encounters with locals and professionals who, through their commitment to responsible tourism and their sense of hospitality, make Nouvelle Aquitaine a unique region.

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Région Nouvelle-Aquitaine

To get to and from La Rochelle train station, take bus n°150: La Rochelle<>Île de Ré
The Île de Ré bridge (Pont de Ré) can be crossed by bicycle free of charge
Cycle path network on the Ile de Ré: Cycle path map

Transportation: bicycle and public transport Level of difficulty: moderate (level 2/5)

What we love:

Getting there

Low-carbon sport-filled stays on Île de Ré – Accommodation

Low-carbon sport-filled stays on Île de Ré – Activities

Low-carbon sport-filled stays on Île de Ré – Bike hire

Low-carbon sport-filled stays on Île de Ré – Restaurants

Transportation: bicycle and public transport
Level of difficulty: moderate (level 2/5)