The Île de Ré is best explored by bike. Its 138 kilometres of cycle paths wind through landscapes that can only truly be appreciated at the pace of the bike: salt marshes where the salt glistens, vineyards turning golden in autumn, villages with flower-lined streets, and pine forests that gently lead down to the sea. Here, cycling isn’t just an option – it’s the very heartbeat of the island.
When you stay at the Maison De l’Art et des Vivres, you’ll set off each morning with a head start: the network of cycle paths is right on your doorstep, and our partnership with 1+Cycles ensures you’ll be well equipped for your ride.
Explore Île de Ré by bike
Exclusive offer: 10% off at 1+Cycles
Your stay begins by bike
When you stay at the Maison De l’Art et des Vivres, you can enjoy a 10% discount on bike hire at 1+Cycles.
Simply say you’ve been referred by Véronique and Lionel: their team will advise you on the ideal equipment for exploring the Île de Ré at your own pace.
Cycle routes through the island’s most beautiful landscapes
The Île de Ré boasts 138 kilometres of cycle paths, all of which are clearly signposted and, for the most part, separated from motor traffic. Its almost flat terrain makes it one of the most accessible destinations in France for cycling, whether you’re a seasoned cyclist, a family with children or simply out for a leisurely ride. Here are the main routes you need to know to plan your itinerary:
The central path through the marshes links La Couarde-sur-Mer to Ars-en-Ré, running alongside the salt marshes. It is one of the island’s most beautiful routes, particularly striking at dawn when grey herons keep watch over the still water.
The forest path winds its way through the pine trees and leads to the southern beaches. Shaded and unspoilt, it is ideal for hot summer’s days.
The less-frequented northern coastal path runs alongside the dunes between Loix and Saint-Clément-des-Baleines. A hidden gem of a loop, far from the tourist crowds, where nature is reclaiming its place.
A complete tour of the island is around 80 km. It can be done in a day for the most keen travellers, or over two leisurely days with an overnight stay on the island.
Cycling to the beaches: all the fun without the traffic jams
One of the great joys of the Île de Ré is cycling to the beach, with your bike lock in your pocket, without ever having to worry about finding a place to park. The cycle paths cover almost the entire coastline. Among the most beautiful stretches accessible by bike are:
- Les Gollandières in Bois-Plage-en-Ré, just a few metres from the house
- Trousse-Chemise beach in Les Portes-en-Ré
- La Conche des Baleines beach in Saint-Clément-des-Baleines
Culinary and cultural cycling tours
The themed trails allow you to plan your outings around a specific discovery: salt marshes and a chance to meet the salt workers, exploring the heritage of La Flotte on the way to Châteliers Abbey and Fort la Prée, or a long excursion to the Baleines lighthouse at the western tip of the island – one of the most iconic spots on the Île de Ré – which you can climb to take in the Atlantic horizon. In the north, the Lilleau des Niges nature reserve delights lovers of migratory birds.
On a bike, you stop in a different way. You pop into an oyster hut, stroll through the market in Ars-en-Ré, or stop off at a wine cellar. The island’s rhythm settles in naturally.
A traditional bike or an e-bike: which should you choose?
A standard bike is perfectly suited to the vast majority of cycle routes on the Île de Ré, which are flat. It’s the ideal choice for a leisurely ride with family or friends.
Electric bikes (e-bikes) are particularly popular for long-distance rides, especially a tour of the island, or if you want to explore effortlessly when the westerly wind is blowing.
The team at 1+Cycles will advise you based on your level, the duration you’d like and the number of people.
Practical tips before setting off
- Book your bikes in advance in July and August: demand is high and stocks run out quickly.
- Set off early in the morning to avoid the heat and make the most of the cycle paths whilst they’re still quiet.
- Take water and sun cream with you: the cycle paths often have little shade.
- Bring a bike lock if you plan to stop in villages or at markets.
- Check the map of the island’s cycle paths before you set off
FAQ
Bike hire on the Île de Ré
1+Cycles is our recommended partner for bike hire on the Île de Ré. If you mention the Maison De l’Art et des Vivres, you’ll get 10% off your hire.
During the high season (July–August), booking in advance is strongly recommended. Outside this period, it is usually possible to hire on the day.
Absolutely. The island’s cycle paths lead to almost all the beaches. From the Maison De l’Art et des Vivres, several beaches can be reached in under 10 minutes by bike.
Yes, 1+Cycles offers electric bikes (e-bikes) for hire. Ideal for long journeys or when it’s windy.
The full route is around 80 km. It can be completed in a day by cyclists in good physical condition, or over two days at a more leisurely pace, with stops at the beach and in the village.
Yes, the trails are open all year round. Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant — the trails are less busy and the scenery is stunning.