Ars En Re Piste Cyclable Cyclistes Martray Aerien Jules SerrurierArs En Re Piste Cyclable Cyclistes Martray Aerien Jules Serrurier
©Ars En Re Piste Cyclable Cyclistes Martray Aerien Jules Serrurier

Ré, the island by bike

The region's scenery and activities make for thrilling two-wheeled rides!

With its well-developed trails, the island of Ré is a paradise for cyclists, a must for local life.
Whether you’re a couple, a family or a group of friends, Ré is the ideal place to take a break from cycling on the trails that help shape its identity.

Cycling in the Retais

When we set off early in the morning, when we hit the trails...

With a smile on your face, it’s with a heart full of joy that you get on your two-wheeler, humming Yves Montant’s “à Bicyclette” as you set off on the trails of the Ile de Ré.

A variety of fascinating landscapes await you, from wild moorlands to the shimmering expanses of salt marshes, pine woods leading to beaches and charming villages. With a length of 30 km and a mainly flat landscape, the island is a real paradise for amateur cyclists, with 138 km of cycle paths.

Nature and culture by bike

You can cycle the whole island, or organize your outings by theme to make them more fun.
The nature trails suggested by the tourist office, such as “Le chemin de la forêt” or “Le chemin des marais salants”, plunge you into the island’s unique landscapes.
A tour of the salt marshes covers some 20 kilometers and lasts 2 to 3 hours. As you walk along these characteristic areas of the island, you’ll have the chance to meet the salt-marsh farmers.
But that’s not all, as you’ll also have the chance to appreciate, at your own pace, the heritage sites that litter the walks! From La Flotte, head for the Abbaye des Châteliers. From there, leave your saddle and continue on foot along part of the route to Fort la Prée.
Tours to the north take you to the Lilleau des Niges nature reserve, a major part of the island’s natural heritage, where birdwatching is as fascinating as it is captivating.

Pedal-powered gourmet pleasures!

Treat yourself to a delicious gourmet meal, stop off at the market, discover the oyster huts or sit on the terrace of a harbor café… There’s no shortage of opportunities to appreciate the tasty character of Ré.

Discovering local produce and know-how is another great way to enjoy the region by bike.

That’s why the tourist office has set up three gourmet tours starting from Sainte-Marie: a village between sea and vineyards, La Couarde: an authentic village with charming alleyways and Ars-en-Ré: a crossroads of fascinating salt marshes. You’ll be able to sample local specialities on the spot: honey, salt marsh plants such as succulents, local wine, aromatic herbs, Ré cookies, local beers, etc.

Vigilance is the order of the day

Cycling inevitably calls for caution and respect for the rules of the road, which are very popular during the tourist season. If you want to pedal with peace of mind, it’s imperative to respect speed limits and road signs! Appropriate equipment is also strongly recommended, especially for children (reflective vests, helmets, front and rear lights, etc.).

The daily life of the Reta region is set to the rhythm of the little queen

Thanks to an extensive network of cycle paths, cycling is an integral part of the island’s identity. The island’s inhabitants use them on a daily basis for their activities, to go shopping or to the market.As well as adding to the richness of the time spent on the island, two-wheeled vehicles allow you to explore the area responsibly and take your time to enjoy the natural surroundings. The benefits of cycling are excellent for physical fitness and well-being.

Cycling for a responsible vacation

Managing routes to encourage walking and cycling is one of the priorities of the island’s sustainable development strategy. Soft mobility offers a more environmentally-friendly approach to tourism, allowing visitors to explore the island at a slower pace.

Recommended as the main means of transport during the tourist season, cycling reduces the island’s carbon footprint when the island welcomes large numbers of visitors and roads can become congested. Cycling then becomes a practical alternative for avoiding traffic jams and even the stress of searching for parking spaces.

Numerous bike rentals, maintenance of cycle paths and the organization of bike-related events make cycling easy.

Down to earth

From April to September, many villages require you to dismount your bike in the center of town.
This facilitates cohabitation with pedestrians.
On vacation, there’s plenty of time to enjoy and take it easy.

The charms of the off-season

Weather permitting, the island of Ré is best explored by bike in autumn or winter.
The cycle paths are ideal for family outings. Now’s the time to take the little wheels off the little ones’ bikes.
Those who go there without children appreciate the poetic autumn colors and the sunny winter days, which give them the opportunity to stroll through the villages. It’s also an opportunity to explore the island’s more unusual nooks and crannies.

Did you like this content? Please share it with others!

Close