La Rochelle and Île de Ré by campervan: 6 must-see spots by bike

Explore La Rochelle and Île de Ré in a campervan, with picturesque ports, sandy beaches and shaded cycle paths. A 100% nature and heritage road trip.

By the Le Campeur editorial team · 2 September 2026

With 100 km of marked cycle paths, Île de Ré is a paradise for cycling enthusiasts. In La Rochelle, the maritime atmosphere and historic monuments await. Embark on a journey where every stop is a discovery, accessible by van or campervan. Ready to pedal?

Vieux Port de La Rochelle

The historic heart of the city, framed by two iconic towers, the Chaîne and Saint-Nicolas. The lively atmosphere of the terraces and old boats immerses you in La Rochelle’s maritime soul.

Where to sleep nearby

La ferme du Grand Chemin Campsite ★ 4.9 4.9/5-rated campsite with spacious pitches and electricity. Direct bike access to La Rochelle in 20 minutes. › Quiet parking near harbour office L'Houmeau Parking ★ 4.3 Free parking by the sea, very quiet out of season. 6 minutes by car from the Vieux Port. › Aire automatisée de Port-Neuf Motorhome area ★ 4 Wooded area with all amenities (water, electricity, Wi-Fi). €15 per night, 31 minutes’ walk from the centre. › Parking free Sacred Heart church La Rochelle Parking ★ 4.3 Free, shaded parking in front of a church. 18 minutes’ walk from the port, bakery nearby. › Gravel parking La Rochelle Parking ★ 4.4 Free parking in a cul-de-sac with sea views. Flat, shaded ground, 29 minutes’ walk. ›

Aquarium La Rochelle

One of Europe’s largest private aquariums, home to 12,000 marine creatures and an immersive scenography. A fun and exotic stop for all the family.

Where to sleep nearby

La ferme du Grand Chemin Campsite ★ 4.9 Rural setting 5 km away, spacious pitches with electricity. 4.9/5, 185 reviews, 6 minutes by car. › Aire automatisée de Port-Neuf Motorhome area ★ 4 116 pitches in a forest, all amenities included (water, electricity, Wi-Fi). €15 per night, 34 minutes’ walk. › Gravel parking La Rochelle Parking ★ 4.4 Free parking by the ocean, flat and shaded ground. 24 minutes’ walk from the centre, 4.4/5. › Parking ideal for visiting La Rochelle Parking ★ 4.4 Free and quiet, close to the centre (25 minutes’ walk). Shaded, ideal for cycling trips. › L'huitrière du sud-ouest Campsite ★ 4.7 Unique and peaceful, by an oyster marsh. Free, 6 minutes by car, 4.7/5. ›

Phare des Baleines

Perched at the northern tip of Île de Ré, this lighthouse offers breathtaking views over the ocean and the straits. Climb its 250 steps for a panoramic view that will take your breath away.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping les Baleines Campsite ★ 4.6 4-star eco-certified campsite, 7 minutes’ walk from the lighthouse, direct beach access. 4.6/5, 150 reviews. › Quiet parking facing the sea Ars-en-Ré Parking ★ 4.4 Parking by the sea, max 6 spaces, very quiet out of season. 6 minutes by car (5 km). › Camping Huttopia Ars-en-Ré Campsite ★ 4.5 Charming forest campsite, 50 m from the beach. 4.5/5, 5 minutes by car (4 km). › Beach parking Saint-Clément-des-Baleines Parking ★ 4.2 Free parking by the beach (30 m), ultra-quiet. 22 minutes’ walk from the lighthouse. › Camping Essi Campsite ★ 4.4 3-star municipal campsite, 500 m from shops, spacious pitches. 6 minutes by car (5 km). ›

Plage de la Conche des Baleines

A vast stretch of fine sand, perfect for a swim or a picnic by the sea. The changing colours of the water with the tides make it a photographer’s dream.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping les Baleines Campsite ★ 4.6 4-star campsite in a natural setting, direct access to the beach and coastal path. 26 minutes’ walk, 4.6/5. › Camping Huttopia Ars-en-Ré Campsite ★ 4.5 Charming campsite on the edge of a forest, 50 m from the beach for sunset views. 25 minutes’ walk, 4.5/5. › Beach parking Saint-Clément-des-Baleines Parking ★ 4.2 Free parking by the beach (30 m), very quiet in the off-season. 13 minutes’ walk, 4.2/5. › Gated parking near the beach Les Portes-en-Ré Parking ★ 4.4 Free parking 20-50 m from the beach, flat and very quiet. 5 minutes by car, 4.4/5. › Camping Eden Villages L'Océan & Spa - Île de Ré Campsite ★ 4.4 5-star campsite with spa, 200 m from the beach and cycle paths. 7 minutes by car, 4.4/5. ›

Saint-Martin-de-Ré

This village, listed among France’s Most Beautiful Villages, charms with its cobbled streets and marina. Don’t miss the citadel, designed by Vauban, and its ramparts.

Where to sleep nearby

2 Rue des Marais, La Flotte Parking ★ 4.6 Free parking with ocean views. 5 minutes by car (4 km). › Camping Municipal LE REMONDEAU Campsite ★ 4.5 Municipal campsite 200 m from the beach, modern facilities. 6 minutes by car (5 km). › Motorhome area with no height limit Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré Motorhome area ★ 4.5 Free area by the beach, toilets 50 m away. 45 minutes’ walk. › Camping Saint Martin de Ré Campsite ★ 4.1 Central campsite 10 minutes from the port, shaded. 5 minutes’ walk. › Donkey area parking La Couarde-sur-Mer Parking ★ 4.2 Secluded spot near a naturist beach, absolute calm. 5 minutes by car (4 km). ›

Réserve naturelle nationale de Lilleau des Niges

A haven of peace for migratory birds, accessible by bike from the island’s centre. Ideal for a nature walk among marshes and birdwatching hides.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping Bois Henri IV Campsite ★ 4.6 Wooded campsite 200 m from the beach, warm welcome. 5 minutes by car (5 km), 4.7/5. › Gated parking near the beach Les Portes-en-Ré Parking ★ 4.4 Free parking by the beach, very quiet. 35 minutes’ walk, 4.4/5. › Camping les Baleines Campsite ★ 4.6 4-star eco-certified campsite, direct beach access. 5 minutes by car (4 km), 4.6/5. › Quiet parking facing the sea Ars-en-Ré Parking ★ 4.4 Parking by the sea, max 6 spaces, ocean views. 47 minutes’ walk, 4.4/5. › Camping Essi Campsite ★ 4.4 Municipal campsite 500 m from shops, spacious. 45 minutes’ walk, 4.5/5. ›

See all spots on the map