Ile de Ré is one of France's best-loved islands. This flat sandy outcrop off the coast of La Rochelle is just 18 miles long and yet has 60 miles of designated cycle lanes begging to be explored. You can pootle along routes that take you through villages (everyone must whitewash their house by law and the favoured colour for shutters is green), past salt marshes, vineyards and oyster farms. Stop to swim and lounge on any of the expansive sandy beaches, revive yourself with a bowl of moules-frites at a seaside cafe and continue on your way.
You can cycle right up to the famous inland lighthouse, the Phare des Baleines, where you can climb the 257-step spiral staircase and enjoy the views over the island and out to sea. You can discover all you need to know about France's lighthouses at the neighbouring museum. Once out of your cycling garb, take to the streets of Saint Martin, and explore its upmarket boutiques, vibrant food market and pretty harbour.
There is a wide choice of accommodation on the Ile de Ré, ranging from five-star seaside hotels to bed and breakfasts and campsites. Private rental accommodation is also available, but you should book well in advance, particularly for the peak summer season.
You can also try your hand at dinghy sailing or windsurfing at the CNPA de la Flotte. Whatever your level, you will find a vessel to suit and an instructor. Alternatively, if you'd rather let someone else be the skipper, take a boat trip from the harbour of Saint-Martin-de-Ré with the company Dream On. This provides great views of the island's coastline and you will sail into the deep bay of Fier d'Ars, to the west of the island, and have a chance to swim at Banc du Bûcheron, an idyllic sandy beach at the bay's mouth.
To find out more about this destination, visit gotofrancenow.com/ile-de-re
