guide
Île de Ré delights families thanks to its preserved landscapes, its secure cycling paths and activities suited to all ages. Between golden sand beaches, salt marshes and wild fauna, the Rétais territory brims with outings to keep children occupied. Are you preparing a memorable stay with your little ones?
Here is our top 8 things to do on Île de Ré with children, to organize from your aquatic park campground to fully enjoy your vacation.
The Baleines Lighthouse remains l‘must-see of any Rétais family getaway. Standing 57 meters high, it climbs in 257 steps to reveal a 360-degree view over the ocean, the northern tip of the island and the neighboring old lighthouse. Children love counting the steps going up. Once at the top, they observe boats and try to spot the Vendée coasts in clear weather.
On site, a museum also tells the story of lighthouses and keepers. Plan about 1 hour of visit to discover the lighthouse, the museum and the former keepers’ houses.
Plan a light sweater, the wind often blows at the summit!
Heading to Les Portes-en-Ré for this natural gem, managed by the Bird Protection League. Lilleau des Niges natural reserve welcomes more than 320 bird species according to the LPO, including the famous brent geese in winter. Children observe avocets, shovelers and pink flamingos from the prepared trails.
The highlight for families: the Maison du Fier offers interactive exhibitions, binoculars to borrow and guided outings suited to the youngest. Animators tell the story of migratory birds with pedagogy.
A fun and instructive outing, perfect when the sky clouds over!
Salt has been part of the Rétais identity since the Middle Ages. In Loix, the salt marsh ecomuseum invites children to understand the salt worker’s work. Program includes: guided tour of the marsh, harvesting demonstration and explanation of the salt water cycle. Small ones often leave with a packet of flower of salt to proudly show grandparents.
The tour lasts about 1h30 and remains accessible to children from 4 years old.
Good to know: remember to reserve, especially in July and August. Hat, sunglasses and water are essential, the marsh remains very exposed to the sun.
In Saint-Clément-des-Baleines, Noah’s Ark combines amusement park, mini-zoo and fun activities over nearly 4 hectares. Children discover parrots, lemurs, kangaroos and feed dwarf goats. A sea museum displays shells, crabs and seahorses: a real Ali Baba’s cave for budding biologists.
The park appeals through its human scale and pace suited to families. Several play areas, a small train and a cafeteria allow you to take your time. A half-day is enough to tour it, without rushing and without crowding.
The bicycle remains the preferred mode of transport for families on Île de Ré. According to the Island of Ré Community of Communes, the network exceeds 110 kilometers of secure cycling paths, connecting the ten villages between them. Children cycle peacefully, away from cars, through vineyards, pine groves and marshes.
Several routes are particularly suited to the little ones:
Bicycle rentals, present in each village, offer baby seats, trailers and children’s bikes.
Local tip: combine bicycle and picnic, by slipping swimsuit and towel in the saddlebag for an impromptu swim along the way.
Heading to Saint-Martin-de-Ré for an unusual meeting: famous donkeys in pants. This 19th-century tradition protected the animals’ hooves from mosquitoes and bites during work in the salt marshes. Today, the L’Asinerie du Baudet du Poitou association perpetuates this curiosity and offers donkey rides for children.
Little ones love petting these gentle, patient companions, dressed in their famous striped pants. A fun, educational and photogenic activity. Rides remain short and accessible from 3 years old, accompanied by a caretaker.
Île de Ré has about thirty beaches, several particularly suited to children. Fine sand, shallow water and summer monitoring: everything is gathered for a peaceful day. La Conche des Baleines beach, 3 kilometers long, attracts with its vastness and dunes. Cible beach in Saint-Martin remains protected and ideal for first baths.
In Rivedoux, Sud Plage gives view of Île de Ré bridge, with calm swimming. Children build sandcastles while parents enjoy the panorama.
Claire’s advice: think of water shoes, some beaches reveal rocks at low tide.
Saint-Martin-de-Ré houses fortifications classified as UNESCO world heritage. Designed by Vauban in the 17th century, they surround the city and are discovered on foot or by bicycle. Children play explorers on the ramparts, observe the moats and imagine battles of old.
The harbor, just below, completes the walk. You taste artisanal ice cream there or observe fishing boats return. The Ernest Cognacq Museum, housed in a former townhouse, tells the story of the island through models and objects: cultural addition for curious families!
Claire’s advice: to make the most of family outings, leave early in the morning for the largest sites like Baleines Lighthouse or Conche des Baleines beach. You thus avoid summer crowds and afternoon heat.
Looking for the perfect accommodation to explore the island and extend baths after each outing? Book your stay among our selection of aquatic park campgrounds on Île de Ré. Heated pools, water slides and a wading pool to finish the day beautifully with your children.
The Phare des Baleines lighthouse welcomes children as soon as they walk comfortably, around age 4, to climb the 257 steps unaided. The youngest can stay at the bottom with a parent and enjoy the museum and garden. The climb goes at your own pace, with regular landings to catch your breath.
Allow at least 4 to 5 days to explore Île de Ré with children without rushing. This is enough time to combine beaches, cycling, cultural visits and nature-watching. To explore every village and make the most of the salt marshes, a full week remains ideal for truly switching off from daily life.
Yes, in July and August, booking is strongly recommended for guided tours of the salt marshes, donkey rides and the salt ecomuseum. Outside the season, you can usually just turn up. Bike rentals also fill up fast: it's best to book at least the day before.
The ideal period runs from mid-May to late September, to enjoy swimming and long days. June and September strike a perfect balance: mild weather, quieter sites and more affordable rates. Avoid 15 July to 15 August if you're seeking peace and quiet with young children.
Absolutely, Île de Ré remains very accessible with a pushchair. The villages are flat, the harbours cobbled but manageable, and most tourist sites have adapted pathways. For the beach, an all-terrain pushchair or baby carrier works best. The cycle paths are also perfect for pushchair outings while your child isn't walking yet.
