Île de Ré by bicycle

Inspired by the famous song `À Bicyclette’ by Yves Montand, hop on your bicycle with a smile on your face and a heart full of joy, and set off along the cycle paths of Île de Ré.

A variety of fascinating landscapes awaits you, from wild moorlands to the shimmering expanses of salt marshes, pine forests leading to beaches and charming local villages. The 30km-long island is mainly flat, with 138 km of cycle paths, making it an ideal destination for those who enjoy cycling.

Nature and heritage cycling routes

You can cycle from one end of the island to the other, or choose to explore a themed route, as each route reveals a different side of island life.

The nature routes suggested by the tourist office for cyclists, such as ‘Le chemin de la forêt’ (forest route) and ‘Le chemin des marais salants’ (salt marshes route), immerse you in the island’s unique landscapes:

• The forest route covers almost 10km and takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
• The salt marshes route covers around 20km and takes 2 to 3 hours. As you make your way through these distinctive parts of the island, take the opportunity to meet the salt farmers.
• The north of the island route takes you to the Lilleau des Niges nature reserve, a major part of the island’s natural heritage, where birdwatching is as fascinating as it is captivating.

On cycling routes, you can also appreciate the island’s heritage sites at your own pace:

• On the route from La Flotte, head to the Abbaye des Châteliers. From there, continue on foot along the path to Fort la Prée.

Discovering local food by bicycle

Treat yourself to a delicious meal in a restaurant, stop off at the local market, eat at an oyster hut or relax on a café terrace around one of the harbours… There is a multitude of opportunities to savour the taste of Île de Ré.

Discovering local produce and know-how is another way to enjoy the island by bicycle.

The tourist office has designed three food routes from:

• Sainte-Marie-de-Ré: a village set between the sea and the vineyards
• La Couarde-sur-Mer: an authentic village with charming streets
• Ars-en-Ré: where fascinating salt marshes converge.

Sample local specialities along the way: honey, plants such as samphire, local wine, herbs, Île de Ré biscuits, local beer and much more.

Due to its extensive network of cycle paths, cycling is an integral part of the island’s identity. Islanders use them every day for their activities, for shopping or to get to the market. As well as enhancing your time on Île de Ré, cycling allows you to explore the island responsibly and slow down to enjoy the natural surroundings. Cycling is also excellent for physical fitness and wellbeing.

Cycling for a responsible holiday

One of the priorities of the island’s sustainable development strategy is to design routes that encourage walking and cycling on Île de Ré. Greener modes of transport offer a more environmentally-friendly approach to tourism, allowing visitors to explore the island at a slower pace.

Cycling can be your main means of transport during the peak season and is highly recommended. It reduces the island’s carbon footprint at a time when large numbers of visitors arrive and roads can become congested. Cycling is a practical alternative to sitting in traffic jams and searching for a parking space.

The many bike hire companies, well-maintained cycle paths and organised cycling events all make it easy to get around Île de Ré by bicycle.