La Rochelle is located half way down the West coast of France, mid-route between Bordeaux and Nantes.
Since 1988 Ile de Ré has been connected to La Rochelle by a 3km long toll bridge.
Google Map
From Paris (470 km) take Motorway A10 towards Bordeaux (nearest motorway junction is 70 km away, exit 33 for La Rochelle).
From London the distance is 817 km including 742 km on motorways (Time: 08h46 including 06h42 on motorways).
Once you have passed the bridge, head for Sainte Marie (South route).
Pass the Sainte-Marie and La Noue roundabouts (6 km).
After about 500 m make a left towards Les Grenettes into Route des Grands Champs to be followed to the end.
Make a right into Route des Grenettes and then a left into Route de La Rouine (see map below).
La Rochelle-Ile de Ré Airport is only 10 km and 15 minutes away from Ile de Ré.
There are flights from London-Stansted and Birmingham (Ryanair), Southampton (Flybe), Paris and Clermont-Ferrand (20 international connections).
La Rochelle-Ile de Ré Airport website.
Daily TGV Atlantique fast trains run from Nantes, Bordeaux, and Paris Montparnasse to Paris-La Rochelle in 170 minutes.
La Rochelle's train station is 15 km away from Ile de Ré.
SNCF website
There is a La Rochelle-Ile de Ré link that services all the villages on the Island. For La Noue, get off at bus stop: Les Grenettes.
Les Mouettes
There is no toll to pay on the bridge for cyclists (pedestrians may also cross free of charge). To make your way around the island, get yourself a bike – it is by far the easiest and healthiest way to travel.
There are more than 60 miles of specially adapted cycle paths that link all the main villages and beaches. In addition, the island is exceptionally flat so hard work is kept to a minimum.
You can hire bikes, child seats, and carriages from the multitude of rental shops throughout the island.
