TRAVEL

the stunning surroundings that include beautiful villages such as two of France’s beaux villages, La Flotte and Ars en Ré, and that’s without mentioning the capital city’ - ie the tiny fortified town of Saint Martin de Ré. With large, quiet, sandy beaches, think Norfolk but guaranteed hot sunshine - lighthouses, local markets daily in every village and miles and miles of cycle tracks with no cars.

Virtually everyone who visits the island gets around on bike as it is only km long, and five wide and, most importantly, virtually at. Cycle paths criss cross the island which is car free in many of the

WE ALL KNOW France has islands that are worth visiting; Corsica springs to mind straight away, but there are many more scattered along the coastline from Brittany in the north down to the French Riviera, many of which we in the UK have never heard of.

One of the most beautiful, and perhaps one of France’s best kept secrets is the le de R o the west coast. O cially it’s possibly not even an island any longer as it is connected to La Rochelle by a road bridge constructed in the late 1980s; but this does make it more easily accessible.

Popular with, traditionally, Parisians who would spend their summers here, this little gem is definitely worth a visit and without a doubt you will fall for its charm. Here you can escape the trials and tribulations of everyday life (very poor wifi and become absorbed in

small villages. These cycle paths take you into the heart of the island where you will cycle through vineyards, across salt marshes and on beach side paths amongst the pine trees. Cycling past owering lavender enjoying the scent is an experience that won’t be forgotten. And look out for the donkeys. The Poitou donkey is large and shaggy and traditionally wears culottes on the island to protect them from mosquitoes; now obviously a big tourist attraction.

Bike hire shops are in every village and rates are reasonable. You can hire a tandem, a classic bike, or more and more popular these days, an electric bike. The island is on the Atlantic coast so be prepared for cycling into strong crosswinds at times - hence the popularity of the electric bikes. You will see all shapes, ages and sizes on two wheels; the Tour de France wannabes, groups of teenagers, young families, elegant grand dames and middle aged bankers, small children whizzing along and, of course, the odd individual who obviously cycles like they drive…

The architecture is stunning and the pretty little ports with their cobbled streets, sophisticated shops and numerous restaurants, cafés and patisseries are a delight. You can spend many an hour sitting in the sunshine, enjoying a drink and people watching. Salt is a speciality of the island so do make sure you bring some home with you. And whilst you’re there enjoy local oysters, freshly caught fish, local wines by the carafe and ice cream galore. I can promise you’ll want to visit again and again and again.Popular with, traditionally, Parisians who would spend their summers here, this little gem is definitely worth a visit and without a doubt you will fall for its charm.