8 - The Ile-de-Ré

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With its numerous communities of part-time residents, which outnumber permanent residents, the Ile de Ré is a holiday hotspot par excellence. In 1988, the island was linked to the mainland via a bridge but it hasn't caused any loss of authenticity to the island. Its scenery is a fabric of moors, swamps and villages of hollyhocks. It isn't hard to see why many celebrities have a holidayhome here. A handful of white houses with green, blue or grey shutters, it makes for an idyllic sight. The area is best seen cycling and the island has many cycling itineraries. Saint Martin, Rivedoux Plage, La Flotte, Ars en Ré, are villages that file past as you zoom by. To the end is the Baleines lighthouse, (or Whale lighthouse, in English). Fifty-seven metres high, there's a wonderful 360° view over the island and its surroundings. Visible, are the three blue-flagged beaches (blue flags indicate a high rank for a beach in France): the Gollandières, Gros Jonc and the Arnéault. And let's not forget the 400 hectares of forest and the 20 kilometres of sand dunes. Once your feet are back on the ground, your journey should continue with a blend of oysters, salt, pineau or cognac, which will be sure to keep your spirits high!

The Sables d'Olonne Saint-Jean-de-Luz