Cycling

A Guide To Finding The Best Cycling Route In Île de Ré

Île de Ré Camping: Uncover the Best Cycling Routes

For a long time, Île de Ré has been the go-to destination for camping enthusiasts and tourists in general. Some adore the French island for its sandy beaches and beautiful landscapes, while others want to enjoy the sunny weather that is available almost every day of the year. However, for us cycling enthusiasts, Île de Ré is the crème de la crème of biking destinations. The island is home to some of the best cycling routes in the whole of France. But how do you find the right one for you?

Popular Cycling Routes in Île de Ré

Île de Ré has tons of options when it comes to cycling routes – and most of them are family-friendly (car-free), meaning you can bring your children along for the rides. It is pretty enjoyable to ride across the island because the networks pass through the different villages, which are pretty close together, to be fair. Click here for more information on these routes.

As difficult as it is to leave some out, here are the best cycling routes in Île de Ré for different levels of cyclists:

  • Saint-Martin-de-Ré to Port de Rivedoux-Plage via Port de La Flotte Loop
  • Saint-Martin-de-Ré to Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré loop
  • Saint-Martin-de-Ré to Porte Thoiras via Porte des Campani Loop
  • Saint-Clément-des-Baleines to Bassin du Goisil via Route de la Prée Loop
  • Saint-Martin-de-Ré to Ars-en-Ré via La Flotte and Port de Ré loop

How to Choose the Best Cycling Route in Île de Ré

Choosing the best cycling route in Île de Ré is very simple. Just consider the following two main factors and you are good to go.

Difficulty Level

Of course, these routes have varying difficulty levels based on the distance and terrain. If you are a beginner, consider routes that are less hilly and cover shorter distances, such as the Saint-Martin-de-Ré to Porte Thoiras via Porte des Campani Loop. Experienced cyclists, on the other hand, will have a lot of joy with longer routes such as Saint-Clément-des-Baleines to Bassin du Goisil via Route de la Prée Loop.

Attractions Along the Route

Cycling is not all about getting from point A to B – it is more about enjoying beautiful sights along the way. So, when choosing a cycling route, consider options that pass across the villages, landmarks and notable attractions. Lucky for you, Île de Ré is an island. That guarantees picturesque views of the coastline, regardless of what route you take.

Summary

As a haven for cycling enthusiasts, Île de Ré offers some of the best routes the country has to offer. However, ensure you find one that suits your needs – so you don’t struggle to reach your goal. To do so, consider the difficulty level (in relation to your cycling abilities), attractions along the route and local recommendations. Also, don’t be afraid to explore!ealms of a European wine region is a marvellous way to take on some of Europe’s most ascending terrains and best wines. 

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2 replies »

  1. I agree with the selection of places to visit on the island. It’s pretty flat, ignoring the bridge to the mainland, and very pretty with good signed bike paths. Because of these things it gets horribly busy in July and August. If you can choose to go at any other time you’ll love it much more.
    We drive to the bridge, park the car and get on the bikes. We’d done it most years until Covid struck, just seemed to have forgotten how much we enjoyed it. Now you’ve reminded me I’ll plan a visit for October.

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