About
St Martin de Ré:
Ile de Ré has 10 villages, all full of character. St Martin, the
'capital', is surrounded by 17th-century fortifications, rebuilt after an
unsuccessful attempt by the English to capture the island in 1627. From
1860 until 1938, it was the rallying point for convicts on their way to
the penal colonies, including the notorious Alfred Dreyfus and Henri
Charrière, of Papillon fame. The impressive citadel walls are still
intact and provide a pleasant and interesting walk or you can climb the
ancient bell tower of the church to take in the architecture of the
island's capital and the kind of panoramic view you only see on
postcards. There are also some very chic boutiques, among other shops
selling delicious chocolates and speciality salty caramels. Salt is still
a part of the local industry, as is wine
making. The apartment is fully equipped for
creating that candlelight dinner on the terrace but you shouldn't miss
sampling the local restaurants, which are excellent. If you enjoy fish,
this is the place to be. Ile de Ré is one of the best places in Europe
to eat shellfish. The island's oyster beds are renowned throughout France
and you can expect to find half a dozen oysters on even the most modest
menu. Mussels, scallops, sea bass and lobsters also abound in the market
and local fishermen haul in daily supplies that can be bought on the
quayside.
About
Ile de Ré:
Mile after mile of broad sandy beaches and an
interior of pine forests and vineyards crisscrossed by 100 kms of cycle
paths, Ile de Ré has been kept something of a secret by the French.
Since it was linked to the mainland by a road bridge in 1988, it has
become a fashionable holiday destination but strict planning regulations
have ensured its continued charm, with no high buildings and shutters
still painted in the traditional island colours. The best way to explore
the island is on two wheels and it's so flat you don't even need to use
gears! Cyclists of all ages and abilities abound, pedalling from one
beach to the next or from one sleepy village to another, along pine
shaded paths and through fields of vines, poppies or sunflowers. The
weather can never be guaranteed, but Ile de Ré has a staggering 2,600
hours of sunshine per year and a less harsh sun than the Mediterranean.
Even the off-peak season sees visitors dining outside in the sunshine.
The giant hollyhocks, the green shutters, the donkeys in pyjama
trousers, the historic link with Papillon, the staple diet of oysters and
white wine - this is Ile de Ré, the ideal spot for a truly memorable
holiday. It's no wonder the French kept it a secret for so long!
About La Rochelle:
La Rochelle, on the mainland opposite Ile de Ré, is well worth a visit. It is an important base for Atlantic fishing boats. The historic centre has been plucked from the clutches of the developers and its streets are free of traffic. The Vieux Port is very much the focus of the town, with pleasure boats moored in ranks in front of the two impressive towers guarding the entrance to the port. There are several excellent museums, boat trips to Fort Boyard or Ile d'Oleron and a huge selection of wonderful cafés and restaurants.
