Île de Ré, Atlantic island in Charente-Maritime, France.
Île de Ré is an Atlantic island off the coast of Charente-Maritime, stretching about 30 kilometers (19 miles) and connected to the mainland by a bridge. Ten small villages sit scattered among sandy beaches, salt ponds, and low pine woods that mark the flat terrain.
The island belonged to English holdings in France during medieval times before becoming French in the 17th century. Vauban built the fortress at Saint-Martin-de-Ré to defend the harbor from attacks by sea.
Salt harvesters still work the marshes using wooden tools unchanged for generations, raking crystals by hand under the summer sun. The white walls and green shutters seen across the island follow a building style that reflects coastal light and keeps interiors cool during warm months.
A network of over 100 kilometers (62 miles) of cycling paths links all the villages, often running beside salt marshes and beaches. Most routes are flat and easy for families with children, especially outside peak summer months.
Poitou donkeys wear striped trousers on their legs to protect them from bites while hauling loads through the damp salt flats. The animals were once used to carry barrels of salt and now serve as a symbol of the island.
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