Ile de Ré by bike

Ile de Ré by bike

With more than 140 kilometres of cycle tracks, this is a cyclist’s paradise. More sporty holidaymakers can explore the entire island by bike.

A 90 km circular route

Would it be crazy to cycle all around the island? Not really because the landscape is fairly flat, with hardly any differences in elevation. Even less experienced cyclists could manage. Distance: 90 km! You could take it in stages, and spend two days exploring. For information: the island is 25 kilometres long, and varies in width from 5 km to barely 100m at its narrowest point (the Martray isthmus).

Finding your way: 4 cycling information centres

Four information centres are open throughout the summer to inform and guide cyclists and tourists on the cycle paths: reminders of safety rules and the code of conduct, tourist information about routes, advice on visits, distances and estimated journey times, etc.

  • Sablanceaux (Rivedoux)
  • Gros Jonc Beach (Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré)
  • Le Martray (Ars-en-Ré)
  • La Maison du Fier (Les Portes-en-Ré)

Suggested cycling routes

Depart from Les Sablanceaux in Rivedoux, at the exit from the Ile de Ré bridge.

  • Stage 1: the Plage Gros Jonc at Bois-Plage-en-Ré, via the village of Sainte-Marie. What to see and do: the vineyards, Peu des Aumonts (highest point of the island), the Ancre Maritaise and the Cabane Montamer (events and exhibitions about the natural and built heritage).
  • Stage 2: Le Martray and Ars-en-Ré, with a stop at La Couarde-sur-Mer. Don’t miss: the flower-lined alleys of La Couarde, the iconic black and white bell tower of Ars.
  • Stage 3: La Maison du Fier and Les Portes-en-Ré. What to see on the way: La Conche beach, the Baleines lighthouse, the Lilleau National Nature Reserve.
  • Stage 4: Return to the Martray to reach the Loix peninsula, then Saint-Martin-de-Ré by the sea. Where to visit: the salt marshes eco-museum, Loix & Savons, the Citadel of Saint-Martin-de-Ré.
  • Stage 5: La Flotte-en-Ré to Rivedoux to complete the loop. To discover: the port and the medieval market of La Flotte, the abbey of Châteliers, the fort of La Prée.

Worried you won’t make it? Vélo-Mouettes shuttles connect all the cyclist information centres in July and August. They have a trailer to transport your bikes (€1 per trip).

Useful links :

  • Long or short, a bike ride is something you need to prepare for! Here’s our advice for cycling safely
  • A precious guide to avoid getting lost: a map of the island’s cycle paths
  • No bike? Don’t worry! You can rent a bike at Le Cormoran campsite!