The Ile de Ré: the quintessence of French refinement
The Ile de Ré is the summer resort of Parisian high society and many of its celebrities ( Gerard Depardieu, Jean Reno or Juliette Binoche have their vacation home here ) . Resting, eating fresh oysters, shopping at their antique shops and playing sports are the plans to (not) schedule here. Getting there is easy (it is connected to La Rochelle by a 3-kilometre bridge); abandon her, not so much.
A restaurant:
With more than 20 years of history, the Baleine Blue remains an inescapable. It is for its super French gastronomy with a renewed air, but also for its terrace, facing the port, from where you can see some good sunsets . They offer 'formula' menus from 18 to 38 euros. Among the entrees: oysters, smoked salmon with lassal from the island's salt pans, duck from the Landes or foie gras ; and as a main course: cod on the back over pear, white beans with chorizo or duck breast. From Thursday to Saturday (and until two in the morning!) they open a bar for cocktails.
Baleine Bleue: an unavoidable restaurant
A walk:
Departing from Sablanceaux and arriving at Sainte Marie, passing through the village of La Flotte and the Fort de la Prée (built by Vauban in the 17th century), the remains of the Châteliers abbey (12th century Cistercian monastery) and the forts of Saint-Martin..., this is one of the routes that can be done by bicycle through the more than 100 kilometers of cycle tracks on the island. Everything is easy to sign up for pedaling: Ré is very flat , so the itineraries are suitable for all audiences; short distances (the island is only 30 km long) and there is the option of returning by bus from almost anywhere.
Châteliers abbey, a basic classic
An experience:
One cannot leave Saint-Martin de Ré without trying the delicious homemade ice creams of The Martiniere (Ile de Re, 17). Appetizing biscuits, delicate macarons and frozen skewers also dazzle in their display cases.
A hotel:
Opened in 2011, the Villa Clarisse boutique hotel (HD: 175 euros), is the last Relais & Chateaux property on the island, in the heart of the historic center of Saint-Martin de Ré. there are nine rooms (5 of them suites) gleaming white in a historic 18th century building - period furniture, fireplace, gigantic bathrooms and harbor views – begging for a night of jumbled (linen) sheets. Breakfast and some snacks are served in the hotel cafe, but for more formal dinners you have to go to the restaurant the Table d'Olivia , at the Toiras hotel, also from the same chain, in the port (menu from 70 euros) . It has a small boutique spa and heated pool.
The Villa Clarisse boutique hotel, giant bathrooms and harbor views