Located in the Bay of Biscay, west of La Rochelle in Charente-Maritime, Île de Ré has long been one of the favorite vacation spots for both French and international travelers. The island offers a variety of beaches, some ideal for surfing and others more peaceful and unspoiled.
Each village boasts its own beaches, each unique in its way. If you're looking to discover the most beautiful beaches of Île de Ré to plan your next camping vacation, follow our guide!
Family Beaches on the Île de Ré
The island is surrounded by beautiful sandy beaches that are wide, easily accessible, and well-equipped, located just a few kilometers at most from your seaside campsite on the Île de Ré.
The two most well-known beaches on the Île de Ré are Les Gollandières and Gros Jonc Beach, located near our campsite close to Bois-Plage-en-Ré. Both enjoy excellent water quality and numerous amenities. Gros Jonc Beach has recently been awarded the “Handiplage” label, certifying easy access for people with reduced mobility. There are also activities for children. This fine sandy beach near Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré offers several bike paths for direct and simplified access.
A little further north, in La Couarde-sur-Mer, beautiful long sandy beaches stretch for several kilometers. Peu Ragot Beach is supervised and has a children’s club.
To the east, Arnerault Beach in La Flotte is monitored and accessible to people with reduced mobility. Shade is easy to find thanks to the trees lining the beach.
Finally, at the southern end of the island, the southern beach of Rivedoux attracts families, while water sports enthusiasts prefer the northern beach.
Surfing Beaches on the Île de Ré
If you love beach sports, you’ll find great beaches on the west coast of the Île de Ré, perfect for surfing, kitesurfing, or other water sports and activities:
West of Sainte-Marie, Grenettes Beach is an excellent spot for beginners and more experienced surfers alike. Discover our seaside campsite on the Île de Ré, located just a few meters from Grenettes Beach. This Atlantic Ocean beach is ideal for windsurfing.
A little further north, Gouillaud Beach is a long sandy beach, perfect for beginner surfers, kite-surfers, or paddleboarding.
To the northwest, Grignon Point, exposed to the swell, is ideal for experienced surfers.
At the very northern tip of the Île de Ré, Diamond Head, Lizay, and Petit Bec are three must-visit surfing spots. Less frequented by families, they offer direct beach access from the road.
Also worth trying: Rivedoux Beach in the south of the island, especially off-season for kitesurfing and windsurfing enthusiasts, and Pergola Beach in La Couarde-sur-Mer.
The Most Beautiful Wild Beaches of Île de Ré
Unmissable, the Conche des Baleines is recognized by many as the most beautiful beach on Île de Ré: preserved, wild, and stretching approximately 3 kilometers along the Atlantic coast.
Popular among surfers, part of Lizay Beach is also reserved for naturists. This northern part of the island remains wild and intimate.
Nearby, south of Portes-en-Ré, Trousse-Chemise Beach is a little haven of peace, accessible by crossing through a forest.
The beaches of Loix, less frequented by swimmers, will appeal to those seeking an intimate spot for strolling or picnicking.
Close to the southern tip of the island, you’ll find charming wild beaches in Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, such as La Salée, where you can enjoy a stunning sunset.
Île de Ré is blessed by nature, and each beach has its own unique charm. As you explore the island, you’re sure to find your beach—the one that makes you feel so good during your camping holiday on Île de Ré that you’ll have only one thought in mind: coming back.
Camping Holidays on Île d'Oléron
Sun, sea, and sky—what more could you ask for? Whether you're spending holidays with family, friends, or enjoying a romantic getaway for two, the beautiful countryside and fascinating sites of the island make it a perfect spot for a camping vacation. Don’t wait any longer; book your destination and the campsite of your choice on Île d'Oléron.
You’ll undoubtedly want to take advantage of the many activities and excursions offered on the "Island of Light" to make the most of your camping holidays on Île d'Oléron. Here are a few suggestions:
- The Oyster Route with its oyster huts and oyster farms
- A sea cruise around the iconic island fortress of Fort Boyard
- The Saint-Trojan tourist train runs for 12 km through beautiful woods, around the Bay of Gatseau, and along the wild coast
- The port of La Cotinière, a charming fishing village with a fish market and brightly colored trawlers
Explore the island of Oléron at your own pace. As you’ll discover, there are many ways to explore the "Island of Light": its forests, marshlands, and seaside villages are perfect for walking, cycling, and horseback riding all year round. The campsites on Oléron Island give you access to 160 km of cycling paths that crisscross the island and hug the coastline. Why not get closer to nature and enjoy the feeling of the wind in your hair as you explore the island and its sandy beaches, pine forests, picturesque villages, and oyster parks by bike?
A wealth of local culinary specialties. What better place for a camping holiday than Oléron Island? Alongside the beauty and variety of its landscapes, you’ll discover a region rich in culinary traditions. Fish, seafood, and, of course, the inimitable Marennes-Oléron oysters are highlights of the island’s gastronomic heritage. And don’t forget to pick up a little something to take home. How about some hand-harvested sea salt or a bottle of the local craft beer “Shipwreckers”? The island’s winemakers, vegetable growers, and oyster farmers are ready to point you in the right direction.