Bike rental Île de Ré

1. Ars-en-Ré Loop

The Ars-en-Ré Loop is one of the must-ride routes for discovering Île de Ré by bike. This accessible route takes you through typical landscapes of salt marshes, the ocean, forests, and authentic Rétais villages.

A route between nature and heritage

Starting from Ars-en-Ré, one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France", this approximately 20 km loop leads you through the famous salt marshes, where you can observe the salt workers at work. The circuit then follows the Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve, a protected site where many migratory bird species stop by.

A route suitable for everyone

With little elevation, this loop is perfect for a family outing or a ride with friends. The path is well-maintained, ensuring a smooth and pleasant journey. Expect to spend 2 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and any stops for photos or oyster tastings along the way!

2. Saint-Clément-des-Baleines and Les Portes-en-Ré

Île de Ré is a paradise for cyclists, and the route connecting Saint-Clément-des-Baleines to Les Portes-en-Ré is a must-do loop to explore its most rugged landscapes. Between iconic lighthouses, pristine beaches, salt marshes, and nature reserves, this 25 km ride offers a concentration of nature and authenticity.

A route between ocean, dunes, and salt marshes

Starting at the Phare des Baleines, one of the island's most iconic landmarks, you’ll ride along the stunning Plage de la Conche des Baleines, bordered by dunes and forests—perfect for a break facing the Atlantic.

As you continue, you'll arrive at Les Portes-en-Ré, a charming village with white houses and green shutters, narrow streets, and a lively market. Just after, the Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve offers a unique spectacle: a preserved sanctuary where hundreds of migratory birds stop by.

On your way back to Saint-Clément-des-Baleines, you’ll once again ride through the varied landscapes of the island—beaches, forests, and salt marshes—completing the loop with an enriching experience.

A route suitable for everyone

With no major difficulties and perfectly maintained paths, this route is ideal for families, groups of friends, or cyclists in search of nature. Expect to spend 2.5 to 3 hours to fully enjoy it, with stops to admire the landscape or taste some local specialties.

3. Marsh Trail

The Marsh Trail is one of the most authentic cycling routes on Île de Ré. Between salt marshes, typical villages, and preserved nature, this 20 km loop offers a bucolic escape into the heart of Rétais heritage. Accessible to all, it allows you to discover the island from a peaceful perspective, far from the bustle of the beaches.

A route between land and sea

Starting from Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, a charming village with streets lined with hollyhocks, you’ll soon enter a timeless world: the salt marshes, where the work of the salt workers has shaped the landscape for centuries. The atmosphere is calm, perfect for birdwatching, with herons, egrets, and elegant avocets.

As you continue the loop, you’ll reach La Flotte, one of the most beautiful villages on Île de Ré, with its picturesque port and medieval market. A gourmet stop is a must to taste some local specialties such as oysters or the locally harvested salt just a few kilometers away.

The return journey will take you through more marshlands and vineyards, offering a variety of landscapes typical of Île de Ré. The tranquility of the route, complemented by the changing sky and reflections on the water, makes this ride ideal for recharging your batteries.

An accessible and enjoyable route

With little elevation and well-maintained paths, this loop is perfect for all levels, from families to long-ride enthusiasts. Plan for 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on your pace and stops.

4. Countryside Trails

Less known than the coastal routes, the Countryside Trails loop offers a chance to discover Île de Ré from a different perspective. Between authentic villages, cultivated fields, vineyards, and forests, this approximately 25 km route unveils the rural and preserved face of the island, away from the hustle and bustle of beaches and harbors.

An immersion in Rétais countryside

The route starts at Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, one of the island's oldest villages, known for its agricultural heritage and charming flower-lined alleys. Leaving the coastline behind, you’ll enter a landscape of fields and vineyards, where vegetable crops and vines stretch as far as the eye can see.

Cycling through the small country roads, you’ll pass through Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré, famous for its local wines and lively markets. Here, a tasting stop is a must to discover local products: pineau, cognac, or the island's typical white wines.

The circuit continues towards Saint-Martin-de-Ré, with its UNESCO-listed fortifications, which recall the island's military history. Stroll through the lively port, admire the cobbled streets, and perhaps enjoy a break at a café terrace.

On the return to Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, you’ll take small paths bordered by stone walls, typical of the Rétais rural landscape, with some shaded sections under the oaks and maritime pines.

An accessible and refreshing route

This loop, with no particular difficulty, is ideal for families and those who enjoy a relaxing ride. With a secure and lightly trafficked route, it’s a great alternative to the more touristy cycling paths. Plan for 2.5 to 3 hours to enjoy the landscapes and make stops for local treats.