Imagine an Island with undeveloped sloping beaches, secluded photogenic villages with houses steeped in history crammed in thin alleys filled with their trademarks hollyhocks, smiling faces everywhere you go, mouth-watering fresh oysters and more...You can spend some time in this island, you can actually rent for a holiday in Ile-de-Ré with Myhomein as a perfect example.
No it's not heaven! It’s a heaven-like island called Ile de Ré.
WHERE IS IT?
Island of Ré a Gallic-style isle, dating from Roman Times, situated off the west coast of France on the northern side of the Pertuis d'Antioche strait, stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean for 30 km.
This picturesque Island was once an archipelago consisting of three small islands which were linked progressively by marshlands built by men.
HOW TO GO TO ILE DE RÉ?
The island is connected to mainland France by a 3 Km troll bridge to la Rochelle. From La Rochelle-Ile de Ré airport, it is a short drive over to the island, an eco tax was introduced in 2012. The cost to cross the bridge is €8.
BY PLANE
La Rochelle has an airport well served by many airlines like EasyJet and AirFrance (Tel. 05 46 42 30 26 www.larochelle.aeroport.fr)
BY TRAIN
After Taking the Eurostar (08432 186 186; www.eurostar.com) to Paris if you're in Europe or the Plane to Paris airport (+33 1 70 36 39 50;www.aeroportsdeparis.fr).
There is daily direct connections from Paris-Montparnasse to la Rochelle Station by the TGV (High-speed train), The journey takes less than 3 hours. check the SNCF website for more info (www.voyages-sncf.com).
BY BOAT
If you're no fan of Trains and Planes, taking a boat would be the perfect alternative; Port ARS, Port La Flotte and Port Saint Martin are the 3 major harbours in Ile-de-Ré
BUS & TAXI
When you arrive at the train station or airport, you can hire a car or take a bus or taxi (Tel: +33.(0)5.46.07.69.48).
TRAVEL INFORMATION
VISA:
Residents of the EU, the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia do not need visas to visit France as tourists for up to three months. Everyone else must have a visa.
Language:
Never walk into a shop without saying 'Bonjour!' and always offer an 'Au revoir' when leaving. It’s more than a matter of linguistics, it's a matter of Respect. Learn a few key phrases before you go, d’accord?
Looking for a vacation rental on the Ile de Ré? Check out the site www.iledere-rentals.com/ for more information.