Three French Island Escapes: A Summer Guide

Just off the coast of La Rochelle, Île de Ré is an Atlantic haven known for its white-washed villages, salt marshes, and endless bike paths. It embodies a quiet elegance, drawing a discerning crowd seeking understated charm and genuine island rhythms.

• Vibe & Exploration: Bike is the preferred mode of transport, allowing you to discover charming villages like Saint-Martin-de-Ré with its fortified harbor, or Ars-en-Ré, famed for its black and white bell tower. Explore vast oyster beds, salt pans, and windswept beaches.

Where to Retreat:

• Hôtel de Toiras, Saint-Martin-de-Ré: A Relais & Châteaux property, this 17th-century shipbuilder's mansion offers a distinct, individual stay in the heart of Saint-Martin-de-Ré, blending historic elegance with refined comfort. Designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon, each of its 18 rooms and suites is uniquely decorated and named after a historical figure, providing a truly personalized experience. Its restaurant, George's, serves modern cuisine with a strong regional focus, while the Blue Note Bar offers expertly mixed cocktails. Guests can also enjoy a heated outdoor swimming pool and shared spa services with its sister property, Villa Clarisse.

• Hôtel Le Clos Saint-Martin Hôtel & Spa: Located a few steps from the Port within the Vauban walls of Saint-Martin-de-Ré. The rooms and suites, designed in subtle, natural tones with whitewashed furniture and oak floors, embody the island's understated style. It features two heated outdoor pools and a renowned Spa by Clarins, offering a full menu of treatments and a hammam and relaxation room. Its poolside bar, Le Petit Bec, serves light fare and a celebrated buffet brunch.

• Villa Clarisse, Saint-Martin-de-Ré: This design-led property offers a unique stay. As the sister property of Hôtel de Toiras, it shares the vision of owners Olivia and Didier Le Calvez, providing a private sense of place with curated details and understated comfort in Saint-Martin-de-Ré.

Island Indulgences:

• La Martinière: For artisanal ice cream, a beloved island institution with unique flavors.

• Le Bistrot du Port (Saint-Martin-de-Ré): A classic choice for fresh seafood and a lively harbor atmosphere.

• Cabane du Fier (Les Portes-en-Ré): A rustic hut by the oyster beds, offering the freshest oysters and local wine.

Experiences & Discoveries:

• Cycling: Explore the island's extensive network of bike paths, leading through vineyards, villages, and along the coast.

• Oyster Tasting: Visit a local oyster farm for a direct taste of the island's bounty.

• Phare des Baleines: Climb the lighthouse for panoramic views of the island and the Atlantic.

Further out in the Atlantic, Île d'Yeu is a rugged sanctuary, less traveled and deeply authentic. This wild island, with its dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, and windswept heathlands, offers a genuine escape for those seeking raw natural beauty and a true sense of remoteness.

Vibe & Exploration: Discover its unique landscapes, from the wild coast (Côte Sauvage) on the west to the calmer sandy beaches on the east. The charm lies in its authenticity and unspoiled character.

Where to Retreat:

• La Mission: Opened in April 2024, La Mission offers a distinctive stay in Saint-Sauveur. The former Napoleonic garrison has been thoughtfully redesigned to blend its historic past with a flamboyant coastal feel. It features 22 rooms and suites (some with private gardens or terraces), a Nuxe Spa with indoor pool, an outdoor pool, and a celebrated rum bar (Bar 1802). Its restaurant, La Missionnaire, offers a menu of seasonal, local flavors, making it a compelling base for exploring the island.

• Hôtel Les Hautes Mers, Port-Joinville: Part of the Fontenille Collection, the hotel stands as the only oceanfront property on the island. Its design blends classic marine themes with a fresh, contemporary aesthetic, creating a calming, bohemian setting. Most of its 25 rooms and suites offer ocean views, often with private balconies or gardens. Its main restaurant, Vent Debout, celebrates local seafood with a fresh, singular cuisine. Guests can also enjoy Bar de la Meule, a charming annex bar perfect for drinks or a relaxed dinner by the sea. The hotel provides a heated outdoor pool, spa services, and complimentary bikes for island exploration.

Island Indulgences:

• Le Creux Noir (Port-Joinville): A local favorite for fresh seafood and traditional island dishes.

• La Meule: Explore small, traditional eateries for local specialties like grilled fish.

• Our highlight is La Ferme d'Émilie, a buzzing animal and vegetable bio farm serving coffee, lunch and tapas dinner, perfect for garden meals and families. Pick up fresh meats, cheeses and vegetables here for a perfect beach picnic, then enjoy oysters and tapenade at one of the many chill dinner bars.

Experiences & Discoveries:

• Coastal Walks: Hike along the dramatic coastal paths, taking in the untamed beauty.

• Old Castle (Vieux Château): Explore the medieval ruins perched on a cliff, offering compelling views.

• Biking: Discover the island's varied landscapes by bicycle.

84 Rooms tip: Take the 9-minute helicopter from Fromentine on the mainland to reach the island. (Only EUR 100 per person)

Part of the Îles d'Hyères, Porquerolles is a car-free Mediterranean island, a haven of untouched beauty. Its turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and fragrant pine forests invite a return to nature and a slower pace of life.

• Vibe & Exploration: Accessible by a short ferry ride from Hyères, the island encourages exploration by foot or bike. Its village is charming, and the lack of cars enhances its tranquil atmosphere.

Where to Retreat:

• Le Mas du Langoustier: This classic island retreat, open from April to September, offers peace and a deep connection to nature. Owned by the Fournier - Le Ber family since 1912, it is set on a 50-hectare park at the western tip of the island, providing a unique sense of disconnection from the everyday bustle. Its gourmet restaurant, La Pinède, focuses on fresh, local, and seasonal produce from its own gardens. The bar, François Joseph, offers distinct cocktails. Guests enjoy a private swimming pool, tennis courts, and direct access to water sports like snorkeling and paddleboarding from Langoustier beach. A taxi boat provides direct beach arrivals, bypassing the village.

• Sainte Anne: This hotel, a landmark in Porquerolles, offers a distinct stay in the heart of the village. Dating back to 1910, it blends historical charm with modern comfort, and is run by the Fournier / Le Ber family (same owners as Le Mas du Langoustier). Its 25 air-conditioned rooms provide a tranquil base, and its restaurant, La Table de la Villa Sainte Anne, emphasizes fresh, local, and seasonal products, including a comprehensive breakfast buffet. Guests can enjoy its central location for easy access to the village square, and beaches.

Island Indulgences:

• L'Escale (Porquerolles village): A popular spot for seafood and classic Mediterranean dishes, right by the port.

• Restaurant Le Mas du Langoustier: Offers refined dining within its serene hotel setting.

Experiences & Discoveries:

• Fondation Carmignac: A compelling modern art museum and sculpture park, subtly integrated into the landscape, requiring booking.

• Beaches: Discover iconic beaches like Plage Notre Dame and Plage d'Argent, renowned for their clear waters and fine sand.

• Biking & Hiking: Explore the island's network of trails that wind through forests and along the coastline.

84 Rooms recommends: A French Riviera Road Trip, and Aix-en-Provence: A Provencal Masterpiece.