Via a ridiculously expensive (& second longest in France) bridge, completed in 1988, this island extends westward into the Atlantic from La Rochelle (just beat Racing 92 to be in the Challenge Cup Final against Leinster at the end of the month). That was irrelevant. Sorry. We love this place, about 4km by 2km with a resident population of about 15,000. Apparently this bolts to 175,000 summertime.
Beautiful sunny with clouds and breezes weather & not too many people around makes the many beaches delightful; Kath not agreeing as Atlantic waves crash in. Visited the island’s wine co-operative taste & sales depot, in front of their winery, tasted & bought some white & red Ile de Re wines. Fun, eh?
Had a long walk on their partly rocky beaches, played EV charging with two of the island’s offers, neither delivering at anything like the published speed but hey-ho, & enjoyed the cafes etc in both St Martin Ile de Re & La Flotte.
Sotheby’s have an office in St Martin, the island’s main town, so that explains ritzy summer homes & expensive bridge. The bridge toll is 8 euros – only onto the island – come to your own conclusions.
Our hotel is in a cute set of houses & has a swimming pool. It’s located at the edge of a small village where we dined both nights in L’Escale restaurant. Friendly family runs it, though food not brilliant, but ambience & outside seating make it comfortable experience.
Time to hit the sotherly road again.
Arcachon
Chris & Kath's Travel Time 