Eco-responsible sports weekend | Destination Île de Ré

Transportation: bike and public transport
Moderate difficulty (level 2/5)

As the wind and waves blow, explore an unspoilt natural territory, ideal for rejuvenation.
On the program: gentle sporting activities, tasting of local produce, meetings with committed people who will be happy to tell you all about “their” island…
And all this by bike, the best way to discover the island of Ré!

Program

Day 1: Sporting route between land and sea
Distance: 16 km by bus – 50 minutes / approx. 45 km by bike
After arriving at La Rochelle station, a short hour’s bus ride will take you to Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, one of the oldest villages on the Ile de Ré. With its rural character and history as a winegrowing village, Sainte-Marie-de-Ré is an unspoilt and authentic place.
After dropping off your luggage and a half-hour bike ride later, you’re guaranteed a change of scenery with an oyster tasting in an oyster hut overlooking the ocean. A breathtaking view… But you’ll need to take your breath away to cycle to Ars-en-Ré, along a cycle path in the heart of the marshes.
Complete the panorama on land with a trip out to sea, aboard a famous Casavant to discover the Fier d’Ars, a bay renowned for its wild landscapes and biodiversity.
At the end of the day, cycle back to Sainte-Marie. Don’t forget to make a gourmet stop at Saint-Martin-de-Ré en route.
Day 2: Salt marshes and relaxation
Distance: approx. 35 km by bike
This second day’s program includes a stand-up paddle tour of the salt marshes. It’s an opportunity to discover the Ile de Ré in a different way, and to enjoy a breathtaking view of a unique landscape. Your guide will also show you the wild flora and fauna of the area, while raising your awareness of the need to protect this unspoilt natural environment.
After lunch in the typical village square of Loix (itself once an island), you’ll head back to the beach at La Couarde-sur-mer or Sainte-Marie-de-Ré for a private yoga class. Relaxation guaranteed!
Day 3: Board sports and salt water
Distance: approx. 20 km by bike / 16 km by bus – 50 minutes
On your last day, head for Le Bois-Plage, where you can take advantage of the great beaches on the south of the island to try your hand (or perfect your skills) at water sports. Windsurfing, catamaran, kayak, surf, kite surf, wind foil… the choice is yours!
Once you’ve been invigorated by the iodized air and salt water, don’t hesitate to stop off at the Bois-Plage-en-Ré market – the largest on the island – to whet your appetite!
After a lunch of local flavors, cycle to La Flotte or Sainte-Marie for an afternoon of “letting go” and relaxation.
To round off your sporty stay, opt for a horseback ride through the forest or along the beach, or choose to immerse yourself in a wellness bubble with treatments and massages.
Finally, take the bus back to the La Rochelle train station, having made sure to stop by the hotel beforehand to pick up your luggage filled with 100% local souvenirs!

"We like:

Preserved natural areas
Discover the local produce
A wide range of sporting activities between land and sea
Relaxing moments in the sea
All addresses and visitor information in the holiday guide

Access

Accessible by public transport and using soft mobility (cycling, hiking…), the “Séjours bas-carbone en Nouvelle-Aquitaine” (Low-carbon stays in New Aquitaine) offer you the chance to (re)discover the destinations of France’s largest region, via a selection of original, committed and meaningful experiences.

Guaranteeing tourism that is mindful of its environmental, social and economic impacts, these stays offer the promise of exchanges with locals and meetings with professionals who, through their commitment to responsible tourism and their sense of hospitality, make New Aquitaine a unique territory.

©Sejour Bas Carbone logo|Région Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Access to and from La Rochelle train station via bus line 3: Bus La Rochelle Ile de Ré
Pont de Ré can be crossed by bike free of charge
Cycle path network on the Ile de Ré: Cycle path itinerary map