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A day eagerly awaited by the whole family: off to Île de Ré! We leave La Rochelle, and once on the bridge leading to the island, the scenery changes. The architecture, the colors, the vegetation – a new side of Charente-Maritime reveals itself to us. A vacation within a vacation…
First stop of the day is Ars-en-Ré, classified among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France,” and its market. After admiring its legendary black and white bell tower and strolling through the alleys adorned with hollyhocks, we need to plan our picnic and, of course, bring back local products. Melons, oysters, and bread for lunch; fleur de sel, donkey milk soaps, and craft beers as souvenirs for home – everyone finds something they like.
Now heading to Conche beach in Saint-Clément-des-Baleines. Buckets, spades, parasol, and sunscreen – the perfect gear for a great family time on this supervised beach with a breathtaking view of the Phare des Baleines lighthouse. A small sign at the entrance tells us we’re entering the most beautiful beach on the island! Perhaps a bit chauvinistic, the message primarily encourages protecting this remarkable environment. The landscape before us is magnificent: sailboats offshore, blue water… The children run in the waves, we settle in and fully enjoy what will be one of our most beautiful vacation memories.
Welcome to the island’s most beautiful beach!
All that swimming, jumping, and diving makes us hungry, so we set off in search of a shady spot for a picnic and a little nap before heading back into the sun.
Back to the beach for a swim and a sandcastle competition. Our beach neighbor tells us that a scene from the movie “The Longest Day” was filmed here in the early 60s. He also makes the children believe that if they swim far enough and straight ahead, they can reach New York! Luckily, they’re too tired to attempt the adventure!
It’s now snack time, and as promised, we decide to enjoy a delicious ice cream from master artisan glacier La Martinière in Saint-Martin-de-Ré. New village, new scenery! The fortified ramparts, the citadel, and the magnificent residences invite us for a stroll. When choosing an ice cream, over 60 flavors are offered: chocolate, strawberry, but also oyster, caramel and fleur de sel, and even mojito for the parents! We then settle down to taste our ice cream facing the harbor entrance, the children fascinated by this dance of boats of all sizes.
The afternoon ends with the unmissable donkey ride in culottes. Besides entertaining the children, this breeding program helps protect a very old breed: the Poitou Donkey.
It’s already time to head back to La Rochelle, with heads full of memories to tell our friends when school starts, which is fast approaching.
