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In the heart
of the island
Explore L’île de ré: Charente-Maritime treasures to discover
Staying at Le Platin – La Redoute, your campsite on the Ile de Ré, means setting down your bags in the heart of an exceptional destination. L’île de ré, nicknamed “Ré la Blanche” for its whitewashed houses, is part of a remarkable archipelago in Charente-Maritime, alongside Oléron, Aix and Madame.
From Rivedoux-Plage, the first village after the bridge, you’re ideally placed to explore L’île de ré and its 10 villages, as well as to discover the Charente-Maritime region and its treasures.
Bike rides, sandy beaches, lively markets, historical heritage, gastronomy: every day of your stay will be rich in discoveries.
The incomparable charms of L’île de ré
L’île de ré has 10 villages, each with its own character and authenticity. Take a stroll through the narrow streets lined with hollyhocks, admire the colorful shutters and let yourself be carried away by the island’s special light. From Rivedoux-Plage to Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, from La Flotte to Saint-Martin-de-Ré and its listed port, all the way to Les Portes-en-Ré at the northern tip, each stop is an enchantment.
The salt marshes of Loix and Ars-en-Ré plunge you into a unique landscape where sauniers harvest salt and fleur de sel using ancestral methods. The pine and holm oak forests offer lovely shady walks. And with over 110 km of cycle paths, cycling is the ideal way to explore the L’île de Ré at your own pace, between vineyards, marshes and coastline.
The Baleines lighthouse, in Saint-Clément-des-Baleines, rises to 57 meters and offers an exceptional panorama of the ocean. The Vauban fortifications of Saint-Martin-de-Ré, a UNESCO World Heritage site, bear witness to the island’s military and maritime history. Tourism on L’île de Ré is also evident in the daily markets, where you can sample oysters, PDO potatoes and galettes rétaises.
Explore the must-see towns of Charente-Maritime
Beyond L’île de ré, Charente-Maritime has a wealth of towns to visit.
La Rochelle, just 30 minutes from the campsite, boasts a charming old port, medieval towers and an aquarium, one of the largest in Europe. Stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, discover the New World Museum or enjoy the ambience of the harbour terraces.
Rochefort, home of the naval arsenal, is well worth a visit for its Corderie Royale and the Hermione, a faithful replica of Lafayette’s ship.
Saintes boasts a remarkable Gallo-Roman heritage, including an amphitheatre, the Arch of Germanicus and the UNESCO-listed Basilica of Saint-Eutrope. Visiting Charente-Maritime also means venturing to Jonzac and its thermal baths, or to the Gironde estuary, the largest in Europe and a veritable biodiversity zone.
Natural and historical treasures
Charente-Maritime boasts 463 km of coastline and a hinterland full of surprises.
The Lacs Bleus de Touvérac, former white clay quarries transformed into crystal-clear lakes, offer a stunning backdrop for a family hike. Château de la Roche Courbon, in the Val de Saintonge, is well worth a visit for its listed gardens and family activities.
Hiers-Brouage, a 17th-century fortified town, transports you back to the history of New France. And if you embark on a boat trip from the coast, you’ll be able to admire Fort Boyard, an emblematic fortress planted in the middle of the ocean, less than 1 h 30 from the campsite.
Family and sporting adventures in Charente-Maritime
Charente-Maritime is a life-size playground for the whole family. Thrill-seekers can try tandem skydiving in Royan or near La Rochelle, with a breathtaking view of the islands of the Charente archipelago. Helicopter baptisms or introductory microlight flights in Marennes offer unique views of the coastline and Fort Boyard.
Closer to the campsite, the L’île de Ré cycle paths offer family-friendly rides between villages, vineyards and beaches. Fishing at low tide, sea kayaking, stand-up paddling and kitesurfing complete a varied range of sporting activities accessible to all levels.
Culinary discoveries
on L’île de ré
It’s impossible to stay on L’île de Ré without sampling its gastronomic treasures. Start with a glass of Pineau des Charentes, an aperitif drink that blends fresh wine and cognac, a tradition of the Charente region. L ‘île de ré and Oléron oysters, bred in the oyster beds of the Marennes basin, are world-renowned.
L ‘île de Ré salt, nicknamed “white gold”, is hand-harvested in the salt marshes by the sauniers. The L’île de Ré early potato , the only PDO potato in France, is simply browned in salted butter. For a sweet touch, enjoy a Charentaise galette with a cup of coffee on the terrace. A gourmet holiday awaits you.
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