3 Days on "Ré la Blanche"

Accessible Île de Ré Itinerary

  • Sainte-Marie-de-Ré

Île de Ré is known for its cycling paths, whitewashed villages and endless beaches. What is less often said is how freely it can be experienced with a disability, without sacrificing pleasure, or spontaneity. Over three days, as a wheelchair user, we based ourselves in Sainte-Marie-de-Ré and set off for a laid-back stay: an adapted hotel, sea bathing with a tiralo beach wheelchair, walks along the ramparts, salt marshes, sailing and good local restaurants. In short, a breath of salty air… with zero fuss.

Table of contents

You’ll love it

The freedom to get around everywhere

Accessible beaches, stress-free

Activities designed with you in mind

The gentle pace of island life

Day 1

Arriving and Settling into Island Time

First impressions of Ré: the light is different here. Flatter, softer, almost milky. You immediately feel you’ve left the mainland behind.

at a glance

Checking in and Easing into the Evening

Afternoon
Arrive and check in at The Originals Résidence – Hôtel de Ré in Sainte-Marie-de-Ré. The hotel holds the Tourisme & Handicap label across all four disability categories, with step-free access throughout, adapted bathrooms, PMR parking and a heated pool fitted with a water-entry assistance system. Take the time to settle in, get your bearings, and let the island atmosphere wash over you.

Evening
Just 300 metres away, head to the Hôtel Les Vignes de la Chapelle for a jazz concert on the terrace. A sharing board, a glass of locally brewed beer and a horizon stretching out over the ocean. And that unmistakable feeling of being properly on holiday.

Destination Île de Ré

©Lumière de fin de journée, Île de Ré / @el_marticino – Martin Petit / CRTNA

tip

Pages dedicated to accessibility

This will convince you that tourists with disabilities are fully catered for. Adapted activities, committed service providers, a mobility map… You’ll find plenty of resources to help you plan your stay.

The Carousel

Day 2

Salt Marshes, Museums and the Sea

A full day that balances gentle discovery with open-air pleasure. The Ré rhythm at its best

at a glance

From Heritage to the Water’s Edge

Morning
Start the day in Saint-Martin-de-Ré with a visit to the Musée Ernest Cognacq, where the island’s history unfolds across accessible, beautifully presented rooms — and free of charge for visitors with disabilities. Continue to the Écomusée du Marais Salant in Loix, then to the Marais du Roc in Portes-en-Ré and the Maison du Fier, a nature space ideal for birdwatching and taking in the shifting light over the marshes. The trails and exhibition spaces are thoughtfully designed to help you understand this extraordinary landscape — no need to cover miles to feel its full effect.

Afternoon & Evening
In the afternoon, head to the water for an accessible swim. During the summer season, lifeguard posts on Ré’s beaches offer tiralo beach wheelchairs free of charge: try Plage du Peu Ragot in La Couarde or Plage Sud in Rivedoux, before a gentle stroll along Plage des Golandières in Le Bois-Plage.
In the evening, settle into one of the island’s accessible restaurants: La Grillerade or Le Café de la Plage in Le Bois-Plage, L’Atlantique in La Couarde, or Les Embruns in Saint-Martin. The ocean is on the menu, and it tastes exactly right.

©Loix, Écomusée du Marais salant / ems

tip

Good for the budget

Many sites on the island offer reduced rates or free entry for visitors with disabilities, from museums to nature spaces, making it easy to enjoy a full programme without stretching the budget.

Day 3

Sailing, a Lighthouse and Vauban’s Ramparts

The final day calls for a little adventure: maritime, wind-in-the-face, big-sky adventure.

at a glance

Out on the Water, Then Farewell to the Island

Morning
At the Base Nautique du Goisil in La Couarde, board a catamaran as a passenger with the option to take part in navigating. One simple call ahead is all it takes to arrange an adapted time slot. Spray, speed and a wide grin: sailing on the Atlantic is an experience that stays with you. Afterwards, drive or roll to the Phare des Baleines: the park and museum are accessible, and even without climbing the steps, the view over the ocean, the rocks and the white lighthouse tower is worth every kilometre.

Afternoon & Evening
Return to Saint-Martin-de-Ré for a self-guided tour of the Vauban fortifications, along the ramparts and around the port, at your own pace.
End the stay with oysters at Ré Ostréa, accessible directly from the cycle path, or a seafood platter at one of the port-side restaurants. Watch the sun drop behind the boats. And start planning the next visit.

©Véhicule adapté pour visiter Saint-Martin de Ré / @el_marticino – Martin Petit / CRTNA

tip

Make it easier

One insider tip: call the Tourist Office in advance to request vehicle access to the pedestrian port area, so you can park as close as possible. A small detail that changes everything.

Contact the Tourist Office

in Sainte-Marie

your accommodation

The Originals Résidence – Hôtel de Ré

Located in Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, The Originals Résidence – Hôtel de Ré offers rooms and apartments holding the full Tourisme & Handicap label (all four disability types), with step-free access, adapted bathrooms and easy circulation throughout. The hotel has PMR parking, a heated pool with a water-entry assistance system, and bike rental to explore the island freely. Calm, close to beaches and cycle paths, the ideal base for an accessible, easy and restorative stay.

More about The Hôtel de Ré

©Hôtel The Originals Résidence – Hôtel de Ré / Elsa Girault

Good to know

Our tips for enjoying your stay

  • Plan ahead, just a little. A quick call to museums, sailing bases or the tourist office before your visit often makes all the difference: an adapted water-entry slot, a specific visiting time, a parking access arrangement. These small preparations pay off enormously.
  • Work with the tides and the light. Ré’s landscapes shift constantly with the hours: high tide for accessible bathing, low tide for marsh walks and quiet strolls. If you can, keep a slot free for a sunset on the beach. Trust us on this one.
  • Alternate gentle activity with good food. Between wheelchair cycling, sailing, walks and visits, leave room for the island’s pleasures: oysters, galettes, an ice cream by the port. The ideal pace is the one that leaves space for the unexpected — and for doing absolutely nothing at all.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Here are some practical answers to the most common questions, to help you plan your stay with ease and confidence.

Yes, Île de Ré is one of the most accessible destinations in France, with flat terrain, adapted cycling paths and several accessible beaches.

Absolutely. The island is easy to explore by bike, and many routes are adapted for people with reduced mobility. Public transport and adapted taxis are also available.

Several beaches offer adapted access, including boardwalks, beach wheelchairs and dedicated facilities during the summer season.

Yes, adapted bikes (such as handbikes or electric bikes) are available for hire, making it possible to enjoy the island’s extensive cycling network.

Spring and early autumn are ideal for a quieter experience, while summer offers more services and adapted beach facilities.

Rates

indicative budget

(Based on 1 people)

From €200 to €370 (1 adult)
the price includes
  • 2 nights in the Hôtel de Ré
  • Activities/tours
  • Hire of specialist equipment (optional)
The price does not include
  • International transport to/from your destination
  • Meals
  • Optional guided tours
  • Personal expenses and travel insurance

💡 The total budget may vary depending on the season, accommodation category and availability of guided activities. Travelling outside peak summer periods generally allows for a more comfortable budget and a quieter experience.

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