DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: London to Ile de Ré

Your luxury rail holiday to Ile de Ré starts with a mid-morning departure on Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris, where you change stations to take the high-speed TGV train to La Rochelle on the Atlantic coast of France. We recommend you leave London just before 10.30 hrs in order to reach La Rochelle just after 18.00 hrs.

You collect your hire car from the station, and it is a 35 minute drive to your hotel in Saint-Martin-de-Ré on the Ile de Ré where you spend 7 nights.

Days 2 to 7: On Ile de Ré

You have six full days at leisure to explore Ile de Ré. There are many interesting places to visit within a short distance of the hotel - by car, on foot or by bike, as well as places of interest further afield. Your hotel is situated on the edge of the port in Saint-Martin-de-Ré, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a pretty, fortified town and Vauban citadel. This charming town is a maze of narrow, cobbled streets with a pleasant harbour lined with shops and restaurants. It is worth hiring a bike or taking a leisurely stroll to explore other harbour villages and golden beaches such as Plage de la Cible and Le Bois-Plage.

Visit the Ernest Cognacq Museum to discover the history of the island: art collections, archaeological findings and historical documents describe island life over the years.

Another interesting sight is the Phare des Baleines lighthouse, about 30 minutes from your hotel by car. The vantage point of the lighthouse enjoys panoramic views over Ile de Ré at a height of 60 metres. There are 257 steps to climb which lead to the top. There are two museums in the north of the island which are worth visiting to discover the region’s fauna and flora. There is the eco-museum of the salt marsh and the Maison du Fier, set in a former salt warehouse.

La Rochelle is around a 30 minute drive away and offers an attractive old town and historic port and harbour with numerous interesting public buildings to see, such as the Town Hall and 15th century houses.  Perhaps have dinner one evening here at one of the many fish and seafood restaurants.

Visit La Rochelle towers - three towers which are remains of medieval maritime fortifications. There are also museums here including the Bunker, home of U-Boat officers during World War II and the New World Museum, which explores colonial history. Further afield, about a 50 minute drive from Ile de Ré is the town of Rochefort. The historic centre is home of the Royal Rope Factory dating from the 17th century. 

Places to visit include the Navy Museum with models of 18th and 19th century ships and an International Sea Centre. During your seven day stay here on Ile de Ré, there is ample choice between rest, relaxation, visits to beaches, sailing and water sports, cycling and walking, visiting museums, local arts and crafts and markets and exploring a little further afield.

Day 8: Ile de Ré to London

Enjoy a final, leisurely breakfast at your hotel before you check out. Return your hire car to La Rochelle station before taking the TGV back to Paris, with a change of stations, and then the Eurostar from Paris to London. There is a service that leaves La Rochelle just before 11.30 hrs and you arrive in London just after 17.30 hrs, making it a very comfortable day’s journey.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. This price includes standard class rail travel, with supplement for standard premier/first class of about £190 per person. Local car hire is also included.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information, including full directions and suggestions on places to visit, to help you get the most from your trip.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance and an appropriate driving licence, if you are planning to hire a car on arrival. The AA and FCO should also be consulted.