Accessibility on Île de Ré

Museums with the ‘Tourisme & Handicap’ certification

Most heritage sites on Île de Ré are open to all. Several museums and cultural sites have ‘Tourisme & Handicap’ certification, guaranteeing accessibility for different types of reduced mobility.

In particular, you can:

• Discover the history of Île de Ré
• Learn more about the local flora and fauna
• Understand maritime traditions and salt production
• Take part in guided tours of the salt marshes and find out more about salt production.

All the sites have facilities designed to ensure the best possible experience for visitors.

Guided tours and emblematic sites

Some of the island’s most emblematic sites are accessible:

• Guided tours of the salt marshes,
• The area surrounding the UNESCO-listed citadel of Saint-Martin-de-Ré,
• Guided tour of Sainte-Martin-de-Ré by the tourist office.

Each village has at least one accessible beach with lifeguards (in July and August).

Two beaches have ‘Tourisme & Handicap’ certification:

• Plage Sud at Rivedoux-Plage,
• Plage du Peu Ragot at La Couarde-sur-Mer.

Special facilities are available depending on the village:

• Access ramps,
• Tiralo beach chairs,
• Hippocampe beach wheelchair.

Everything has been carefully considered to offer a relaxing moment by the sea, whether you are on your own or with others.

Many easily accessible activities are designed for people with reduced mobility (physical, visual, hearing and intellectual disabilities) or temporary disabilities:

• Guided tours,
• Nature activities,
• Sensory experiences,
• Discovery workshops.

The destination offers a wide range of inclusive outings for everyone.

The island relies on a network of committed tourism professionals, many of whom have Tourisme & Handicap certification: hotels, campsites, self-catering accommodation and accessible restaurants.

All offer facilities designed for a comfortable, stress-free stay.

Tourisme & Handicap is a certification scheme that verifies that the tourist establishments are accessible according to strict specifications for the different types of reduced mobility (physical, visual, hearing and intellectual disabilities).

Choosing a certified establishment ensures:

• A professional friendly welcome,
• Accessible facilities,
• A peaceful holiday, alone or accompanied.

The Accessibility Guide lists all the facilities on offer.

Tourist offices with ‘Tourisme & Handicap’ certification

Destination Île de Ré’s ten tourist offices are certified ‘Tourisme & Handicap’. They offer:

• Hearing loops
• Tactile maps
• Audio guides to the villages
• Easy Read (FALC) document presenting the island
• Braille guide to each village
• Large-print guide to each village
• Sign Language video presentation of the island.

All Destination Île de Ré tourist office staff are trained to welcome visitors with specific needs.

A destination recognised nationally

The Ministerial Delegation for Accessibility (DMA) has cited Île de Ré and Destination Île de Ré among national best practice in accessible tourism.

The destination features in the magazine ‘Accessible Tourism, Holidays for All’ (May 2025).

Easy Read (FALC) document on Île de Ré

Destination Île de Ré has produced an Easy Read document (known as a FALC document in French). It has been validated by the association UNAPEI 17, and makes it easier for people with comprehension difficulties to discover the island.

This guide presents :

• Île de Ré’s villages
• Emblematic sites
• Accessible beaches
• Accessible activities.

The document has been designed to facilitate access to information about the island for people with intellectual disabilities or comprehension difficulties. It uses short sentences, simple words (1 sentence = 1 idea). The content is structured and illustrated to make it easier to read.

It has been written in accordance with the official Easy to Read rules, in collaboration with specialised professionals and people it concerns.