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Femme Face A La Mer Plage Des Gollandiere Le Bois Ile De Re By Mathieu Genon
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Mathieu Génon

5 ways to make summer last longer on Île de Ré

The summer holiday is over, and some of you are heading back to work! Luckily, the Atlantic coast is blessed with a mild climate in early autumn. For those lucky enough to stay longer, there is still time to make the most of beautiful sunny days on Île de Ré. Here are five ways to extend your summer… in style.

Cycling around the island

To make the most of the warm weather

An Indian summer is often in full swing in September and October, making it an excellent time to cycle around the island! The mild climate and persistent sunshine make cycling very pleasant. Cross the salt marshes, venture into the forest, follow the vineyards as far as the eye can see, all while staying close to the coastline. Île de Ré offers a breathtaking array of landscapes.

With 138 kilometres of cycle paths on the island, you can discover magical places, some of which are only accessible to cyclists.

If you do not have your own bicycle, there are many bike hire companies on the island renting out different types of bicycle.

See cycling routes

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Velo Habitant Venelle Ile De Re Elsa Giraud
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Elsa Giraud

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Velo Cyclistes Marais Salants Jules Serrurier
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Jules Serrurier

Walking through the salt marshes

To relax and enjoy the peacefulness

One of the island’s most visited sites, Île de Ré’s salt marshes are well worth a visit. They showcase the exceptional ecosystem of the north of the island.

On foot or by bicycle, appreciate the complete change of scenery shaped by the expanses and ever-changing colours of the salt marshes. This area attracts a wide variety of migratory birds.

The ‘finishing touch’ experience is to be there for the end of the salt harvest as summer draws to a close. If you are interested in salt production and its history, visit the Écomusée du Marais Salant in Loix to learn more about this age-old practice.

Find out more about the salt marshes

Visiting the oyster huts

The perfect place to extend summer

Oyster huts are a gem of Île de Ré. By the ocean or in the heart of the salt marshes, these places combine tasting, sharing and a change of scenery.

Many offer memorable views. Whether for lunch or a sunset dinner, they are the perfect place to make your summer last longer with a delicious seafood platter or a dozen oysters.

Even if seafood is not your favourite food, you can simply stop for a glass of local wine or spirits. As the oyster huts on Île de Ré are not open all year round, now is the time to enjoy this experience!

Find an oyster hut

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Brock And Betty Seafood Platter
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Brock & Betty

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Little Girl Beach Sand Eats Pasteque Freepik 1
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Freepik

A picnic by the sea

With family and friends

What a wonderful idea! It is time to choose the perfect picnic spot to enjoy fresh, seasonal local produce.

Make sure you take a jacket for the cooler part of the day when you go and buy your picnic food. You can also get a good blanket in a souvenir shop.

Choose between the large beaches on the south coast, the more secluded areas on the north coast, small seafront spots in villages or the picnic areas spread out all over the island. There are many different types of picnic spot to choose from.

We particularly love picnic lunches, dinners or a simple apéritif on the beach, with the sound of the waves to accompany the long-awaited sunset!

Find a picnic spot on the Ile de Ré

Enjoy an apéritif and a meal on a terrace café

The perfect way to end the summer

As the summer draws to a close, terrace cafés are always bustling with activity, providing the perfect setting for an evening out with friends, family or just the two of you.

The atmosphere of the harbours in the different villages is an invitation for fun, friendly evenings. If snack breaks are essential during the day, an apéritif as the sun sets is even more so?

Some say good food is the secret to happiness. The island’s many restaurants and bars offer apéritifs and sharing plates, making the summer last another evening.

You are experiencing the art de vivre on Île de Ré!

Where to eat and drink on Île de Ré

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Port of Saint-Martin-de-Ré
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Mathieu Génon

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