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Daily Mirror
01-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
'I visited absurdly beautiful island loved by Parisians with £40 UK flights'
Many years ago, when people would escape polluted cities to 'take in the sea air', the French island of Île de Ré is likely what they were after. And today at the entrance of the port of Saint-Martin-de-Re – the historic capital of the island – lies the chic seaside guesthouse of Hotel De Toiras that would have seen plenty of such fugitives. Like all buildings on the island, its exterior has been shaped by the whims of the Atlantic Ocean. Located on the cobblestone seafront it has painstakingly designed rooms with many stories to tell, much like the hotel's delightful staff. This charming old style hotel is laid back but precise – French hospitality at its best. Toiras' conscientious team oversees 18 rooms and a further handful at Villa Clarisse & Spa, the sister boutique property around the corner. Historic luxury is certainly the theme of this hotel – in a converted 17th century shipowner's house. Remarkable suites immerse guests with their striking themes which are rooted in the lives of leading figures from history and literature. Ornate reproduced pieces go with each theme, and most rooms have a bath and shower, with robes, slippers and a turndown service. Guests can indulge in the range of high-quality toiletries and there is a lounge downstairs to relax with the daily paper or book next to the fire. 'The owners really wanted to put the style of the island, history and their family touch to this hotel,' said general manager Maxence. 'We have some clients that are stressed when they check in, and when they leave they are totally relaxed.' Villa Clarisse & Spa – which is more contemporary and more polished than the Hotel de Toiras – got its fifth star last year, which means both properties now operate as five-star. Just a three-minute walk from the Hotel De Toiras, Villa Clarisse & Spa offers a heated outdoor pool and, as the name suggests, a spa – but unfortunately, that was being renovated while we were there. Guests can dine in the mornings and evenings in George's Restaurant and take an afternoon snack at the wonderful Salon D'Olivia. Prices come with the five-star territory, boasting seasonal menus with a strong, high quality and regional focus. The colourful vegetables du jour are simply joy on a plate. The beef chuck is rich and comes with a delicious Bearnaise sauce, the Langoustine Royales starter has varied textures and a wasabi kick. For those readers who have a sweet tooth, the star of the show was one of the two desserts on offer, the chocolate, praline and fleur de sal of Il de Re. It proved to be somehow simultaneously hot, cold and foamy with a wafer heart – you should try it and marvel. The two a la carte gastronomic menus cost €75 and €130. With Ile de Re being less than three hours from the French capital, you will find throngs of Parisians in the summer months. You can see why – the island is relaxed, tiny but full of things to do – all with an absurdly beautiful backdrop. Il de Re is an oasis of salt, vineyards and sand dunes off the coast of La Rochelle, with a bridge to the mainland only arriving in 1988. It's very noticeable how the island's proud residents are so keen to embrace and promote its gifts of salt marshes, potatoes, oysters, vineyards and animals who are the true symbols of this Atlantic outpost. Poitou donkeys were once an integral part of life on Il de Re, helping with agricultural work and transporting goods between villages. They would often be dressed in hand-crafted striped trousers (mistaken for pyjamas) to protect them from flies in the marshes, but now the shaggy long-eared locals are much more of a rare sight. The best way to see the island is to cycle between its charming villages, such as La Flotte with its busy food market, or Ars-en-Re, officially one of the most beautiful villages in France, offering antique emporiums. With a network of cycle paths 60 miles long, you can see the island on two wheels, and feel safe while doing so. Bike hire costs are around €30 a day for electric and €9 for standard. Take a break from the bike and enjoy lunch in one of the many oyster shacks that line the marshy coast, then chat to the last remaining artisan salt farmers who still use techniques from the Middle Ages in their production. Cross the 1.8-mile bridge by bus or taxi to La Rochelle, a jewel of a city and capital of the Charente-Maritime department. It's been a centre for trading and fishing since the 12th century. With its show-stopping Vieux Port (old harbour), it's a must, along with the modern Les Minimes marina, Hôtel de Ville dating from 1298, half-timbered medieval houses, Renaissance architecture, natural history museum and aquarium. In need of a holiday? With the summer in full swing, the Mirror has launched its very own Travel WhatsApp community where you'll get all the latest holiday recommendations from our travel experts straight to your WhatsApp. We'll send you the latest breaking updates and exclusives all directly to your phone. Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is , select 'Join Chat' and you're in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group. We will also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you're curious, you can read our .
The Sun
16-05-2025
- The Sun
I visited an off-the-radar paradise island off the French coast – and flights from UK cost just £40 return
PICTURE yourself cycling through salt marshes in the afternoon sun, dipping your toes in the Atlantic, and gobbling up seafood, caught right off the shores you were wandering earlier. This is Ile de Re, a little slice of paradise just off the west coast of France where rustic fortresses overlook long stretches of sandy beach. 5 5 5 I was visiting for a long weekend in search of a lazy, coastal escape where I could spend relaxed afternoons sipping on wine or wandering through quiet streets littered with cafes. And that's exactly what I found here. Time seems to slow down in Ile de Re, probably because, unlike the bustling streets of Paris or the crowded beaches of Nice, it is still not high on Brits' radars. This small island is, in fact, where the French holiday, so you won't find many other UK tourists roaming around the port town of Saint Martin or strolling along the shores of La Patache. Palatial furniture I checked into Hotel de Toiras, which was in the heart of the action in Saint Martin de Re. The elegant property, with most accommodating staff, is everything you'd expect from a little French hotel. Each of the charming rooms is decorated with palatial furniture — think beautifully-upholstered armchairs, delicate lamps and intricate iron headboards. The best rooms are those with a sea view. Ask for one when you book and you will be soaking up perfect views of the harbour each morning. If you're after something a little less formal, head to Villa Clarisse, set a little further back from the waterfront. Explore The Channel Islands The villa combines modern luxury with the charm of an 18th-century mansion. It's the kind of place you spend your mornings lazing by the large outdoor pool, reading a book and having freshly baked baguettes alongside your lunch. There's also an on-site spa that utilises unusual ingredients such as sunflower pollen in its heavenly treatments. The island was calling out to be explored so on my first day I rented an e-bike and set off to explore — following some of the 100km of paths that wind along the coast. Make your way to historic Les Baleines lighthouse, sat at the northern tip of the island — it takes around an hour to cycle there from Saint Martin. You don't need to worry about working up too much of a sweat because luckily the climate stays mild here, even during summer (temperatures hover between 20C and 25C). The lighthouse, which dates back to 1849, towers 57 metres high and visitors can climb its 257 steps. If you have the energy to do so, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Atlantic. You don't need to worry about working up too much of a sweat because luckily the climate stays mild here, even during summer (temperatures hover between 20C and 25C). Of course, you will still need fuel for all of that pedalling and this French escape is not short of excellent options for foodies. Ile de Re is famous for its oysters. You can pick up a tray of them from the many restaurants that surround the harbour or one of the casual seaside shacks — where you can wash them down with a glass of very nice white wine for no more than about €5 (£4.30). If you're looking for the best of the best, though, La Cabane Oceane, in La Flotte, is undoubtedly the place to head. The oyster hut has its own farm on the island, meaning you'll be eating the freshest shelled fish, shucked there and then, which you can devour on high wooden bars overlooking the sun-kissed ocean. I'd recommend eating them natural, or dressed with a simple squirt of lemon if you want to taste them in their purest form. After stuffing my face, all I needed to do was roll up to my bedroom, where the sound of the ocean lulled me peacefully off to sleep. If oysters aren't your thing, there's plenty of other fresh fish to be enjoyed. George's restaurant at Hotel Le Toiras is a foodie spot in its own right. It was here that I tucked into the most delicious three-course dinner with a view that's as delectable as the food. 5 5 The white fish of the day with risotto, accompanied by the creamiest sauce and squid ink, was to die for. There's plenty of meat on the menu, too, if that's what you're after — including a veal fillet mignon and mashed potatoes, that is the restaurant's piece de resistance. After stuffing my face, all I needed to do was roll up to my bedroom, where the sound of the ocean lulled me peacefully off to sleep. A holiday doesn't get more relaxing than this.
The Irish Sun
16-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
I visited an off-the-radar paradise island off the French coast – and flights from UK cost just £40 return
PICTURE yourself cycling through salt marshes in the afternoon sun, dipping your toes in the Atlantic, and gobbling up seafood, caught right off the shores you were wandering earlier. This is Ile de Re, a little slice of paradise just off the west coast of France where rustic fortresses overlook long stretches of sandy beach. Advertisement 5 Cycling is one of the best ways to see the sights of Ile de Re Credit: Supplied 5 George's restaurant at Hotel Le Toiras - it was here that I tucked into the most delicious three-course dinner with a view that's as delectable as the food Credit: Supplied 5 I came for a lazy coastal escape — and found the perfect spot for wine, walks and winding down Credit: Alamy I was visiting for a long weekend in search of a lazy, coastal escape where I could spend relaxed afternoons sipping on wine or wandering through quiet streets littered with cafes. And that's exactly what I found here. Time seems to slow down in Ile de Re, probably because, unlike the bustling streets of Paris or the crowded beaches of Nice, it is still not high on Brits' radars. This small island is, in fact, Advertisement READ MORE TRAVEL REVIEWS Palatial furniture I checked into Hotel de Toiras, which was in the heart of the action in Saint Martin de Re. The elegant property, with most accommodating staff, is everything you'd expect from a little French hotel. Each of the charming rooms is decorated with palatial furniture — think beautifully-upholstered armchairs, delicate lamps and intricate iron headboards. The best rooms are those with a sea view. Advertisement Most read in News Travel Ask for one when you book and you will be soaking up perfect views of the harbour each morning. If you're after something a little less formal, head to Villa Clarisse, set a little further back from the waterfront. Explore The Channel Islands The villa combines modern luxury with the charm of an 18th-century mansion. It's the kind of place you spend your mornings lazing by the large outdoor pool , reading a book and having freshly baked baguettes alongside your lunch. Advertisement There's also an on-site spa that utilises unusual ingredients such as sunflower pollen in its heavenly treatments. The island was calling out to be explored so on my first day I rented an e-bike and set off to explore — following some of the 100km of paths that wind along the coast. Make your way to historic Les Baleines lighthouse, sat at the northern tip of the island — it takes around an hour to cycle there from Saint Martin. You don't need to worry about working up too much of a sweat because luckily the climate stays mild here, even during summer (temperatures hover between 20C and 25C). The lighthouse, which dates back to 1849, towers 57 metres high and visitors can climb its 257 steps . Advertisement If you have the energy to do so, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Atlantic. You don't need to worry about working up too much of a sweat because luckily the climate stays mild here, even during summer (temperatures hover between 20C and 25C). Of course, you will still need fuel for all of that pedalling and this French escape is not short of excellent options for foodies. Ile de Re is famous for its oysters. Advertisement You can pick up a tray of them from the many restaurants that surround the harbour or one of the casual seaside shacks — where you can wash them down with a glass of very nice white wine for no more than about €5 (£4.30). If you're looking for the best of the best, though, La Cabane Oceane, in La Flotte, is undoubtedly the place to head. The oyster hut has its own farm on the island, meaning you'll be eating the freshest shelled fish, shucked there and then, which you can devour on high wooden bars overlooking the sun-kissed ocean. I'd recommend eating them natural, or dressed with a simple squirt of lemon if you want to taste them in their purest form. Advertisement After stuffing my face, all I needed to do was roll up to my bedroom, where the sound of the ocean lulled me peacefully off to sleep. If oysters aren't your thing, there's plenty of other fresh fish to be enjoyed. George's restaurant at Hotel Le Toiras is a foodie spot in its own right. It was here that I tucked into the most delicious three-course dinner with a view that's as delectable as the food. 5 You'll soon be gobbling up seafood, caught right off the shores you were wandering earlier Credit: Supplied Advertisement 5 Make your way to historic Les Baleines lighthouse, sat at the northern tip of the island Credit: Getty The white fish of the day with risotto, accompanied by the creamiest sauce and squid ink, was to die for. There's plenty of meat on the menu, too, if that's what you're after — including a veal fillet mignon and mashed potatoes, that is the restaurant's piece de resistance. After stuffing my face, all I needed to do was roll up to my bedroom, where the sound of the ocean lulled me peacefully off to sleep . Advertisement A holiday doesn't get more relaxing than this. GO: ILE DE RE GETTING THERE: Ryanair flies from Stansted to La Rochelle, which is connected to Ile de Re by a bridge, from £40 return. See STAYING THERE: Rooms at the Hotel de Toiras cost £135pp, based on two sharing a Deluxe Room on a room-only basis. See Rooms at Villa Clarisse cost from £152pp, based on two people sharing a Premium Room on a room-only basis. Check out
