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For many a summer, this little island has been on my hit list, much like Elba in Italy. Nestled on the coast of France just offshore from La Rochelle, this family-friendly and dog-friendly haven is where we finally landed – perfect for a family holiday in France with kids and dogs.

We had a gap in our calendar for May half-term this year and wanted somewhere we could drive to with our kids and dogs – without arriving exhausted after days on the road. It was also our first time taking our electric car abroad, so we were keen to give it a test drive.

If you’ve followed along on my blog for a while, you’ll know that we brought both our dogs back from Singapore with us and they’re quite well travelled now. One of them has an EU passport, but the other still needs a health certificate each time we travel. Luckily, we have a lovely vet who visits us at home.

Why Choose Île de Ré for a Family-Friendly, Dog-Friendly Holiday

Easy Access by Eurotunnel and Short Driving Distances

Île de Ré is perfect for a family-friendly, dog-friendly getaway because it’s so easy to get to from the UK. We travelled via the Eurotunnel, which we find super easy. We charged our car while getting the dogs booked in, which was incredibly convenient. We caught an early shuttle to avoid holiday traffic, which worked a treat. A few swaps of the driver in the car along the way and to refuel the kids and dogs, and we soon found ourselves soaring over the water on the bridge into Île de Ré.

The short driving and cycling distances on the island make it ideal for families: you can explore charming towns, beaches, and cycle routes without spending hours in the car.

Pet-Friendly Travel Made Simple

Travelling with dogs can sometimes feel tricky, but Île de Ré makes it easy. Many accommodations, like Slow Village, welcome pets, and there are plenty of dog-friendly beaches and outdoor spaces to enjoy.

If your pup needs travel documents, the process is straightforward, especially when you have a helpful local vet or plan ahead with EU pet passports. With a little prep, travelling with our dogs alongside the kids was a breeze – and they loved every minute of the beach walks, cycling adventures, and seafood meals just as much as we did.

Where to Stay on Île de Ré with Kids and Dogs

Slow Village – Family-Friendly Accommodation

We booked something simple to stay in, as this wasn’t our main holiday but a cheeky bonus trip. We looked at the Huttopia sites but landed on Slow Village. A bonus was that a friend had stayed there before and given me reassurance.

It’s located conveniently just outside the main town of Saint Martin and a short bike ride down the hill to La Flotte, which quickly became a favourite spot of ours.

Slow Village is made up of simple huts. Ours had two bedrooms, a kitchenette, a bathroom, a living area, and an outside deck. They were simple, clean, and had enough storage.

The pool was warm enough for the kids in May, there was an onsite restaurant, and they were just building an outside tiki bar. One of my favourite features of my middle-aged holiday life was the launderette, with machines that pump in detergent and wash and dry en masse – I came home with virtually no dirty clothes!

One of the highlights of Île de Ré is how the whole island is connected by cycle paths. Cars and bikes hardly ever interact, making it safe to cycle with kids. You can cycle for hours or just locally, which is perfect for exploring the island while leaving your car parked. Thankfully, I’d been putting in some hours on our Peloton, so my legs were up to the challenge.

5 Things to Do on Île de Ré with Kids and Dogs

1. Explore Charming Fishing Towns – La Flotte and Saint Martin

Our favourites were La Flotte and Saint Martin. Wander the streets, explore the markets, and soak up the charming seaside vibes.

2. Discover the Local Markets and Fresh Produce

Seafood is everywhere and absolutely delicious – make sure you take advantage! Our favourites were Les Copains Bâbord, La Croisette (La Flotte), Gillardeau and Beach Bar Ile de Ré.

The good places book up fast, especially if a French bank holiday coincides with your visit. So book in advance.

Buy fresh fruit, veggies, and most importantly, cheese! I even treated myself to the most beautiful bunch of flowers at one market – it made me smile all week. In peak season, there is a daily market in La Bois en Plage, which is bustling and fun at their Halle du Marché.

3. Enjoy the Beaches – Dog-Friendly Tips

Île de Ré has lots of sandy beaches, mostly long, calm, and not too busy. If you’re taking your dog, check which beaches allow pets after the end of May. We even found some rare blue and red sea glass at La Flotte beach, so keep your eyes peeled!

4. Cycle Around the Island Safely

Cycling with kids and dogs around Île de Ré is a must – the dedicated bike paths make it safe and relaxing. Whether you want a short ride to dinner or a full-day adventure, cycling is a fun way to explore the island.

5. Visit Vineyards and Sample Local Wines

The main vineyard on the island is Domaine Arica. You can sample their rosé and white wines while enjoying the beautiful scenery – another great reason to cycle around the island.

Tips for Travelling with Kids and Dogs to Île de Ré

Bike Hire and Safety Tips

Cycling is one of the best ways to explore Île de Ré with kids and dogs, but a little planning helps. Many resorts don’t offer bike hire early in the season, so it’s worth knowing where the local hire shops are, we used Vel’Île en Rè in La Flotte, and they were brilliant, even fixing a bike after my daughter crashed into a gate!

Make sure everyone has a helmet, and a basket or trailer for smaller kids (or your dogs) if they can’t cycle long distances. The dedicated cycle paths make it safe for younger children, so you can enjoy beaches, villages, and vineyards at a your own pace.

Pet Travel Documents and Vet Advice

Travelling with dogs abroad may feel daunting at first, but Île de Ré is very welcoming when you’re prepared. Make sure your dog has an EU pet passport, up-to-date vaccinations, and any required health certificates. If you need a vet check before departure, having a home-visiting vet can take all the stress out of it – that’s what we do.

Once on the island, there are many dog-friendly beaches, trails, and accommodations, so your pups can enjoy the holiday just as much as the kids! We used Ile de Ré vets for our dogs wormers and we made the appointment before we arrived.

Best Times to Visit for Families

Île de Ré is lovely year-round, but for a family holiday with kids and dogs, late spring to early summer is ideal. May half-term, like when we visited, is perfect because the island is starting to wake up for the season but isn’t yet crowded.

The weather is usually mild, beaches are quiet, and cycle paths feel peaceful. Peak summer brings more tourists, making markets and restaurants busier, but it’s still manageable if you plan ahead. Visiting early or late in the season also means you can enjoy dog-friendly beaches before some restrictions come into effect after May.

In Summary: Why We’ll Be Returning to Île de Ré

Would we go back to Île de Ré? Absolutely. It was relaxed, the kids and dogs had a fantastic time, and we spent lots of time outdoors. The food was delicious, and we came back feeling refreshed. It’s a perfect destination for a family-friendly, dog-friendly holiday in France.