Accessible beaches on the Île de Ré

The Île de Ré has two beaches specially equipped to make swimming more accessible for people with disabilities or reduced mobility: Plage Sud in Rivedoux-Plage and Plage du Peu Ragot in La Couarde-sur-Mer. These sites feature water access facilities, adapted amenities and lifeguard supervision during the summer months.

Yes. There are various pieces of equipment available to facilitate access to the water, including ‘tiralos’, ‘seahorse’ chairs and ‘handiquattros’, which are provided at certain accessible beaches on the Île de Ré.

Arrangements may vary depending on the local council and the time of year. We advise you to contact the relevant town hall or first-aid post before you visit to find out the conditions under which the equipment is made available.

Yes. Disabled parking spaces are provided in the immediate vicinity of accessible beaches to make it easier to reach the coast and the bathing facilities.

Yes. Guide dogs for the blind and assistance dogs accompanying a person with a disability are permitted in places open to the public, including where restrictions usually apply to animals. However, rules may vary locally depending on local by-laws and the time of year. It is therefore advisable to check the current conditions with the relevant local council before your visit. Assistance dogs must remain under the control of their owner or companion.

Good to know: assistance dogs are not considered pets under the regulations governing access to public places.

Yes, access to the beaches is possible in an electric wheelchair up to the facilities provided for this purpose. Several beaches have disabled parking spaces, adapted walkways, footbridges or accessible routes leading down to the seafront. To access the sand and go for a swim, specialised equipment such as ‘tiralos’, ‘hippocampe’ wheelchairs or ‘handiquattros’ may be available at certain beaches. However, it is advisable to check before your visit, as access conditions may vary depending on the beach, the weather or the tides.

Yes. The main accessible beaches on the Île de Ré have accessible toilet facilities nearby. Plage Sud in Rivedoux-Plage has accessible toilets, whilst Peu Ragot beach in La Couarde-sur-Mer is equipped with accessible toilets and showers. Other beaches listed in the guide also have accessible toilet facilities, depending on the facilities listed.

The advisers at Destination Île de Ré can provide you with information on accessible beaches, available facilities, adapted accommodation, activities with the ‘Tourisme & Handicap’ label, and useful local services. The island’s 10 tourist information offices are committed to improving accessibility.