Surrounded by vineyards and sandy beaches, Le Bois-Plage-en-Re is a peaceful village overlooking the Bay of Biscay on the Île de Ré. It’s just a short bicycle ride from all of the island’s main attractions, including yacht-filled harbours, a lively market and centuries-old fortifications.
Things to do in Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré
Spend your days swimming and sunbathing on one of the beautiful beaches that dot the region or rent a board to surf the waves at Plage de Gros Joncs. A picturesque boardwalk winds through the dunes behind Plage des Gollandières, a wide stretch of sand known for its magnificent sunsets.
You can rent a bicycle to explore the charming villages of the Île de Ré, including La Flotte, Les Portes-en-Ré and La Couarde-sur-Mer. Saint-Martin-de-Ré boasts fortifications established during the Huguenot Rebellions of the 1620s, with convicts once held at its prison shipped to the penal colonies of French Guiana and New Caledonia.
Don’t miss a visit to Le Bois-Plage-en-Re’s summer market to find everything from fresh food to ceramics, books and souvenirs. If you head to the dock in the morning, you can purchase fresh fish and oysters direct from the fishermen before they deliver the daily catch to markets across the island.
Getting around Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré
Le Bois-Plage-en-Re is a 30-minute drive from La Rochelle and La Rochelle Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Buses connect Le Bois-Plage-en-Re to La Rochelle while free electric shuttles travel between the Île de Ré’s villages. Bicycles are one of the most popular ways to get around the island, while Le Bois-Plage-en-Re is compact enough to explore on foot.