Île de Ré

The morning starts under gray skies at the fortifications of Saint-Martin, where the rain lends dramatic colors to the old walls. At noon, we seek shelter in the covered market, enjoying local delicacies in the dry. In the afternoon, we walk with an umbrella along the harbor towards Ars-en-Ré. The evening ends cozily in a bistro near Cible beach, listening to the rain.

On a clear winter morning, the fortress walls are almost deserted and peaceful. At noon, we warm up with a hot seafood soup in the harbor. The afternoon belongs to the quiet beauty of Ars-en-Ré, before admiring the early sunset at 17:00 on Cible beach. The evening ends by candlelight in a local wine bar.

Île de Ré is a cyclist's paradise. Start at the majestic ruins of Châteliers Abbey, then pedal along the coast towards Saint-Martin. After lunch at the harbor, the path leads through the fascinating salt marshes to the ecomuseum. The highlight is the Phare des Baleines lighthouse at the western tip. Relax briefly at the wild Conche beach before exploring the rich birdlife in the nature reserve.

Despite the rain, we cycle to the Abbaye des Châteliers, whose ruins look mystical in the mist. At noon, we reach Saint-Martin and dry off in a café. The afternoon takes us through the salt marshes to the lighthouse, where the damp air intensifies the scents of nature. The day ends with a refreshing view of the gray sea in the nature reserve.

The winter tour starts fresh at the abbey, accompanied by a cool sea breeze. At noon, we enjoy the winter tranquility in the port of Saint-Martin. The afternoon offers wide views across the salt marshes to the Whale Lighthouse, where the low sun's light is magical. We end the day birdwatching in the quiet reserve before darkness falls.

By car, you can easily reach every corner of the island. Start at the picturesque Châteliers Abbey and drive further into the heart of Saint-Martin. Explore Vauban's fortifications before visiting the charming village of Ars-en-Ré. Immerse yourself in the tradition of salt harvesting at the ecomuseum. The day concludes at Phare des Baleines with its wide ocean views and a relaxed evening at Conche beach.

By car, we explore the island comfortably and dry, starting at the misty abbey. At noon, we park near the port of Saint-Martin for a short sprint to the restaurant. The afternoon leads us to the salt museum and on to the lighthouse, while watching the showers from the warm interior. The day ends safely at the stormy La Conche beach.

In winter, the car provides the necessary warmth between stops at the abbey and quiet Saint-Martin. At noon, we find a parking space directly at the harbor without any problems. In the afternoon, we explore Ars-en-Ré and the marshes before arriving at the lighthouse just in time for sunset. The day ends with a relaxed drive through the twilight island.