Nowadays, Isle of Rhe (Ile de Re) near La Rochelle is an upscale seaside resort with numerous beaches, wellness centers, equipped golf courses, bike paths, and horse riding trails. But a couple of centuries ago, it was the place for fishing and salt mining.

The road from La Rochelle to the island will take about half an hour. You will have to cross a 3-kilometer bridge connecting the island with La Pallice. The bridge appeared here only in the 1980s. Besides, there is the mansion known as the place for the submarine docks during the Second World War. By the way, these docks are still used for boat repairs as it is too expensive to demolish them.

In general, tourists from all over the world come to this city to enjoy the classic French landscape, as if from guidebooks: green vineyards, golden wheat fields, low, neat white houses with orange tiles. Just add the sandy beaches and oyster farms, and you get the beauty of Isle of Rhe.

The administrative center of the island is the port, Saint-Martin-de-Re, with white yachts and numerous fishing boats. Like any other city built in the 17th century, Saint-Martin-de-Re had to fortify its walls. Therefore, special solid forts were erected as defensives designed by a well-known specialist of that time, Vauban.

Another local attraction worth your attention is Conche Beach. It is interesting for its dunes and military buildings that have been preserved since the Second World War. The 19th-century lighthouse is also interesting. You can climb it by overcoming 250 steps.

It is impossible not to mention the wonderful nature of this place. The pine forest protects the island from the strong sea wind, creating the most comfortable climate.