The Ile de Ré on the French Atlantic coast is where smart Parisians decamp in summer. A long thin island of beaches, sand dunes and pine forests, it's criss-crossed by family-friendly cycle paths connecting sleepy villages and historic ports. The restaurants are outstanding, specialising in fish and local oysters. 
Recommended tour operator: Wake up in France
Wake up in France says
Our favourite spots include La Couarde on the south side of the island, for its wide sandy beaches, the pretty harbourside village of La Flotte and the daily market at Ars-en-Ré for its seafood and fresh salt.
Best of all, we like the fact that the Ile de Ré gets as many hours of sunshine as the south of France – perfect for late spring and early summer holidays. Getting there is easy - the Ile de Ré is just a short transfer from La Rochelle airport or easily accessible by both car and rail.
We specialise in providing large three- to five-bedroom villas with pools, that easily accommodate two families and are generally just a short walk or cycle ride from the beach and local town. We also offer accommodation in holiday villages for the more budget-conscious.
Recommended Ile de Ré villas include La Couarde (sleeps 8), a spacious house with a large garden, pool, table tennis and outdoor summer kitchen; and Villa Helene (sleeps 10) at La Noue on the south coast, just a short stroll to the beach.
Wake up in France has been offering a great range of holiday accommodation in France for more than 14 years, with the widest selection of properties on the Ile de Ré.
Click here for prices and more about Ile de Ré villas
