Things to do in Saint-Martin-de-Re

Things to Do in Saint-Martin-de-Re – The beautiful whitewashed streets of Ile de Re’s captital make for an excellent base to explore the island. We visited in July (high season) with two children, and here are some of the highlights. 

Cycling – Saint-Martin-de-Re

The island is synonymous with cycling and there are bike shops all over the place, with at least a dozen rental stores in Saint-Martin-de-Re. The cycle paths are used for commutes, daily life and leisure by locals and visitors alike, along car free, clearly signposted cycle paths. Our rental cost €42 for a half day, for two adults and two children. From the capital, you could head east to Flotte, or head west to the beach and the island’s famous salt marshes.

Port & Bistro du Marin

There are many excellent places to eat but people naturally congregate near the water’s edge at the port. After taking into the yachts and expensive boats, we headed to a local recommendation Bistro du Marin. Understated, busy but friendly, the waiter took time to explain dishes handwritten on the chalkboard, but expect traditional seafood, beef and pork. I was delighted with my scallops. Just rocking up in July, we got a table inside without a wait, but outdoor dining was more sought after.

Seafood Restaurant Le Tout du Cru

Another recommendation that I cannot fault was Le Tout du Cru. With wooden table and chairs, simple tablecloths and retro prints and artefacts on the wall, it had a cosy feel. We feasted on blue lobster and brown crab. Delicious.

 

Brunch at La Baronnie

A Sunday treat is booking brunch at the elegant yet central mansion house of La Baronnie. A buffet of oysters, French cheeses, cured meats, smoked trout and more awaits. A very civilised way to spend a weekend.

Shopping in Saint-Martin-de-Re

The shops in Saint-Martin-de-Re are a visitor experience in their own right. Here’s why.

Buy Ile de Re’s Famous Salt

As mentioned, Ile de Re is renowned for its salt, so we bought gift packs for friends at Esprit du Sel.

Buy Ile de Re’s Indulgent Soap

Alongside salt, Ile de Re is known for its soap made from donkey milk. There are several soap shops in town but the violet scented soap I bought at Loix & Savons scents the house beautifully and reminds me of our holiday. I also chose caramel and fig scented soaps. So pretty as well!

Fashion Shops – Ile de Re

The clothes shops on Ile de Re actually suited my style, picking up two pieces at 29, where every item is €29 (cash only). Other stores I liked the look of were Molly Bracken for footwear, Station 1995 for menswear, Pile ou Face for swimwear, Mon Chien Ado’Re for dog owners, plus Equateur for women’s fashion.

Ile de Re Ice Cream

La Martiniere is renowned for its ice cream. Situated by the water, there’s often a queue but it moves remarkably quickly.

 

Explore the Fortifications and Citadel of Saint-Martin-de-Re

A walking tour is a great way to appreciate the Unesco charm of the capital, noted as a ‘fortified town’. Historical info and local titbits add to the drama.

 

Where to Stay in Saint-Martin-de Re

I have a real fondness for La Baronnie, a mansion house that was bought by Louis XVI for Marie Antoinette. It boasts an extensive garden peppered with sun loungers and a heated outdoor pool. Despite this tranquil idyll, the hotel is desperately central, and from the front you’d never guess how large and extensive the property and grounds are. La Baronnie also houses a spa using luxury Cinq Mondes products.

While the hotel works wonderfully for couples, it’s also surprisingly family friendly, with bunk bed ante-rooms giving parents and children space. Plus there’s a self-contained villa with its own pool too. The bar serves excellent cocktails and platters, but for a more substantial evening meal head out to the restaurants mentioned above. Secure parking is available for a fee, which is handy in the capital. Check prices and availability here.

Enjoy Saint-Martin-de-Re!

For a full guide of Ile de Re click here.

For Things to do in Ars-en-Re click here.

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