With its 138 km of bike paths and greenways, the Île de Ré is a cyclist's paradise. Here, getting around by bike is a way of life, and spending a holiday on the island without a bike ride is unthinkable. From your campsite on the Île de Ré, embrace the cycling experience and discover the island at your own pace. Immerse yourself in the local lifestyle, rent a two-wheeled companion, and explore the incredible natural beauty of this unique environment. Don’t forget to check out the other services offered by your campsite.

 

Bike Routes on Île de Ré

Here are 5 cycling trails to make your stay unforgettable.

  • The Marsh Trail: an 18.5 km ride accessible to everyone, winding through the salt marshes. Discover the Fiers d’Ars, the small inland sea, a unique landscape steeped in the history of salt workers. Only about sixty remain to keep the salt culture alive on the Île de Ré. Along the way, you'll encounter the black-and-white Gothic bell tower of Saint-Étienne-d’Ars church, the charming village of La Couarde-sur-Mer, and the Lilleau des Niges nature reserve, a haven for migratory birds. You'll pass through pine forests and glimpse golden beaches. This route is relatively easy and perfect for the whole family. Consider renting an electric bike or pedal-assist bike for a half-day ride, which is more than enough to complete the cycle path.
  • Exploring La Couarde-sur-Mer: a 12-km ride that starts with a tour of the streets and alleys of the charming village of La Couarde-sur-Mer. Discover Bonin Square, the old train station, and take a break at Maryvonne Brullon's glass workshop. Next, head to the Goisil channel to enjoy a bucolic and picturesque atmosphere. The ride continues through vineyards and salt marshes; take the opportunity to chat with the working salt farmers—they are fascinating. Along the way, you'll find the La Rhétaise oyster farm, Prises Beach, Peu Ragot Beach, and the Notre-Dame-de-l'Annonciation church.
  • The Countryside Route: a delightful 7-km trail exploring the Ré Island countryside from Saint-Martin-de-Ré, passing by vineyards, vegetable fields, and the famous Île de Ré potatoes with their controlled designation of origin. You'll also see the fortifications of Saint-Martin-de-Ré, the seaside resort of Le Bois-Plage, and La Couarde-sur-Mer. For this ride, we recommend vacationers rent mountain bikes (with baby seats if needed); you'll find a wide selection of MTB options but be sure to handle them carefully to avoid losing your deposit.
  • Saint-Clément-des-Baleines and Les Portes-en-Ré: a 26-km itinerary created by the third-grade students of the Saint-Clément-des-Baleines school, showcasing their two towns. Along the way, you’ll encounter the Whale Lighthouse, the Semaphore and Old Tower, the Dune House, the former Les Portes-en-Ré train station, the Redoubt Chapel, the Trousse Chemise Lighthouse, all while cycling through the Fiers and salt marshes.
  • The Forest Trail: a 9-km route exploring the Lizay Forest, a wooded area of pines and cypress trees bordering the coastal beaches. On this ride, you’ll discover Les Portes-en-Ré, the Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve, the Trousse Chemise Woods, La Conche Beach, the Whale Lighthouse, and Saint-Clément-des-Baleines.

Bike Rentals: You can rent your bike at one of the following agencies:

  • Yoo Too
  • Les vélos de Mathilde in Saint-Martin-en-Ré
  • Les cycles N in Ars-en-Ré
  • Tout à Vélo in La Flotte Cycle Lande in La Couarde-sur-Mer.