We are heading off to France next week with, as usual, no set plan. The 2 week weather forecast shows that the better weather is likely to be down the western side which, other than a few nights in the Marais Poitevin, is new ground for us. So, my question is which of the two Iles do you all prefer? We enjoy getting out on the bikes, but I assume they both have good bike tracks. Your views would be much appreciated.
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We always preferred Oleron to Ré. It is far less commercial, less crowded and is free to enter.
In the northern part has great spacious cycling and has some neat restaurants. In the main square in St Georges there is a restaurant run by a mad Irish woman. Good food,very cheap and lively conversation
Been to both islands but much prefer the mainland in that area - LaRochelle, Rochefort, Fouras, , La Tremblade, La Palmyre and the Cote Sauvage have more appeal for me.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
We've been to the Ile de Re, specifically, Camping Interlude at Bois Plage en Re, a dozen times now and never fails to delight. Is it really almost 9 years since I reviewed it - 2015 Revew
Only things to add - site takeaway has got better although doesn't do full menu early season.
Sea can be a touch colder in May than August/ September when we've usually visit.
Ice cream on the harbour side at St Martin is delicious.
Now also a Lidl near the LeClerc's and Intermarche,
The sparkling white Trousse Chemise from the local wine co-op is great value and comes in a classy looking bottle. Buy from the co-op - about 200 yards towards town from the roundabout at the top of the road leading to the campsite and beach - or supermarkets. Camp site shop, wine stalls on the markets charge over the odds for all the Ile de Re wines.
Thanks for your comments - - it now looks as if the dryer weather might be elsewhere so after a quick check before we leave in the morning our destination may well be Burgundy (until the forecast changes again of course).
When we were away last year we were intending to visit some friends in the Auvergne, but the weather forecast was for heavy rain and thunderstorms for the 10 days we were due to be there. In the end we went elsewhere - and of course the weather in the Auvergne was nowhere near as bad as forecast, just occasional heavy showers on 2 or 3 days.
We now take all forecasts with a large pinch of salt - unless it's high winds and then we believe them just in case!
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Been a very wet spring here in France - never seen the place so green.
A cool and wet 14 degrees here in the Dordogne although the strong winds we had over the weekend have died down. The middle weekend in April we had temperatures nigh on 30 for a couple of days.
Forecast for most of France is cool and grey for the next few days with heavy rain in most parts over the weekend.
Ile de Re weather starts to pick up from Monday - strong winds for a few days before that. If was heading for Re/Oleron from UK would probably hunker down in the Loire for a few days before moving on if only to save what could be longish drives in the wet.
Quote: Originally posted by David Klyne on 25/4/2024
We have only been to each location once each. I think I preferred Oleron as it seems a more "normal" place! I have a blog on my website here if its of any interest. http://www.davidklyne.co.uk/meander_through_western_france.htm
David
Looks like a nicely written blog.
I've bookmarked it for reading when we start planning our September trip