ANOTHER ILE WITH APPEAL
Practical Motorhome|November 2024
The Ile de Ré, nestling halfway down the west coast of France, has in recent years become something of a prime destination for motorcaravanners in the know.
ANOTHER ILE WITH APPEAL

That’s because it has fine beaches, with proper waves and miles of fabulous sand, not to mention a handful of pretty seaside resorts.

The island does have one snag, however, and that is the cost of actually getting there. At the time of writing, the toll to cross the bridge to the mainland was at least €16 between June and September (realistically, the only months when the sea is likely to be warm enough for an enjoyable swim), although you can get a seasonal pass if you are likely to be there for a long time.

This means that, should you tire of spending time on the island (and for all of its charming scenery, we are essentially talking about a sandbank just a few miles long) and want to explore further afield, even just for the day, you have to shell out €16 every time. That’s before you’ve even begun to consider the cost of parking, museum fees, eating out and so on. And the toll could be more than €16 if you are driving a particularly large vehicle.

Fortunately, there is an excellent alternative. Just a few miles south of Ile de Ré, on the other side of marvellous La Rochelle and in effect, in the same water system, lies another island, with beaches that are just as spectacular and towns that are equally pretty. And the bridge that you need to cross to get there is, for the moment at least, completely free of charge.

Not that you would necessarily want to leave Ile d’Oléron the moment you arrive. Your first impressions as you drive over the bridge – which I did in Bailey’s comfortable Adamo 75-4I, which would be my base for this French tour – might be connected with salt and oysters: both form the basis of significant industries around here. But this soon gives way to pine forests, with the occasional tantalising glimpse of a beach.

On the island, I decided to head for Le Grand Village-Plage, probably the major resort, with a good selection of campsites and an excellent aire.

This story is from the November 2024 edition of Practical Motorhome.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the November 2024 edition of Practical Motorhome.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM PRACTICAL MOTORHOMEView All
ACE NOVELLA COACHBUILTS
Practical Motorhome

ACE NOVELLA COACHBUILTS

Each month we focus on a great secondhand mainstream motorhome. We then tell you which is the best of the bunch, what to pay and which problems to look out for

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2024
A touch of NORFOLK SUN
Practical Motorhome

A touch of NORFOLK SUN

The smart new McLouis Fusion made an ideal base for a summer weekend break

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2024
PANAMA P12
Practical Motorhome

PANAMA P12

If you're looking for a camper that can ferry the whole family about during the week, the new P12 might be the answer, says Peter Baber

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2024
VOLKSWAGEN GRAND CALIFORNIA 600
Practical Motorhome

VOLKSWAGEN GRAND CALIFORNIA 600

More space makes the big Cali suited to those who want extra creature comforts from their camper.

time-read
9 mins  |
December 2024
48 HOURS IN CROMER
Practical Motorhome

48 HOURS IN CROMER

The charming coastal town of Cromer, in Norfolk, is especially renowned for its picturesque beauty and vibrant atmosphere.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2024
AND DID THOSE FEET IN ANCIENT TIME...
Practical Motorhome

AND DID THOSE FEET IN ANCIENT TIME...

Having returned to the UK following his European Odyssey, Marcus Leach seeks out the highs of the Peak District

time-read
6 mins  |
December 2024
BE SURE TO GET THE RIGHT COVER
Practical Motorhome

BE SURE TO GET THE RIGHT COVER

In his latest column, podcaster Motorhome Matt Sims finds that when it comes to insuring your pride and joy, cheapest isn't always best

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2024
PROTECT YOUR MOTORHOME
Practical Motorhome

PROTECT YOUR MOTORHOME

We all love our motorhomes, but sadly, there are criminal types out there who love stealing them just as much. So what steps can you take to prevent the worst from happening to you? Our tech expert Peter Rosenthal explores your options

time-read
10+ mins  |
December 2024
THE ROMANCE OF THE EUROS
Practical Motorhome

THE ROMANCE OF THE EUROS

Sports fan David Dowling combined his twin passions motorhoming and football for on a German adventure to the Euros and the Romantic Road.

time-read
10 mins  |
December 2024
SOUTHERN SEES
Practical Motorhome

SOUTHERN SEES

Titanic struggles, medieval halls and playful otters are among the highlights of Victor Charles' Hampshire tour.

time-read
7 mins  |
December 2024