Sporting activities on the Île de Ré : Staying at Les Portes-en-Ré, in the north of the Île de Ré, means taking advantage of a fantastic natural playground. Sport & outdoor activities : Cycling: over 100 km of cycle paths through beaches, forests and salt marshes. Water sports: surfing, paddle boarding, sailing, catamaran sailing on the beaches to the north (particularly the beaches of La Conche and La Loge). Kayak & paddle in the salt marshes for a natural immersion experience. Fishing on foot at low tide (clams, prawns). Horse riding on the beach at sunset. Hiking between the dunes, nature reserve and pine forests. Cultural activities & discoveries : Climb to the top of the Phare des Baleines lighthouse (3.5 km) for a spectacular view of the ocean. Stroll through the cobbled streets of Ars or Saint-Martin-de-Ré, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the remains of the Abbaye des Châteliers. Visit the salt marshes and meet a salt worker to find out how the flower of salt is harvested. Art galleries, craft markets and summer festivals bring the villages of the Retais to life. Our restaurant recommendations : Aux Portes-en-Ré: Le Balaou - Friendly atmosphere, fresh produce and pleasant views. Ars-en-Ré: La Cabane du Fier - Seafood cuisine overlooking the marshes. Saint-Martin-de-Ré : Le Serghi - Renowned address on the port, fish and seafood. La Flotte: La Martinière - A local institution and a not-to-be-missed ice-cream parlour. Typical markets not to be missed: Marché de La Flotte - One of the most beautiful markets in France, open all year round. Marché des Portes-en-Ré - A small, authentic market, ideal for local produce. Marché d'Ars-en-Ré - Typically Rethais atmosphere under the white covered market halls. Marché de Saint-Martin-de-Ré - Regional products and specialities from Charente. The spirit of Rétais Between ocean, heritage, gastronomy and unspoilt nature, the Ile de Ré offers a perfect balance between dynamism and a gentle way of life. Each day can be sporting, cultural... or simply devoted to enjoying an ice cream in front of the harbour at sunset.

Itinerary by car from the Ile de Ré bridge After crossing the bridge from La Rochelle, continue straight on as you enter the Île de Ré via Rivedoux-Plage. Follow the Route d'Ars / D201 (westbound) - this main road runs west through several of the island's villages. Continue towards Les Portes-en-Ré by staying on the D201/Rte d'Ars, then following the signs for Les Portes-en-Ré. Once in Les Portes-en-Ré, look out for Rue de la Cure and follow the local signs to 15 Rue de la Cure. Distance and journey time From the Ile de Ré bridge to Les Portes-en-Ré, the journey by car is around 30km (depending on the crossing points) and generally takes around 45 minutes without heavy traffic. Be careful in high season (summer): traffic can be slower around the bridge and on the island's main road, especially in the late afternoon and at weekends. Practical tips Light vehicles have to pay a toll to cross the Ile de Ré bridge (prices vary according to the season). Make sure you have a map or GPS so you can follow the route in real time and avoid congestion. In summer, it is advisable to leave outside rush hour to avoid traffic jams around the bridge access.