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Continuing from last week’s first installment , in my second and final part of my Ile De Re Diary, I take you to the Lighthouse of all Lighthouses , La Bouvette where can enjoy the best mussels on this of the English Channel plus a tip for where you can stay on this beautiful island.
Phare des Baleines: Lighthouse of all lighthouses
There are lighthouses and then there is the lighthouse of Phare des Baleines.
Phare des Baleines
Standing majestically facing the stormy embrace of the Atlantic from its rocky vantage point, this is a working lighthouse with its light seen as far as 50 kms in any direction.
The lighthouse has also a museum where you can discover the history of lighthouses ( 5 euros combined ticket to lighthouse+ museum )
Spiral Staircase of Phare des Baleines
Climbing 267 steps up a memorable, vertigo inducing spiral staircase gets you to the top where you are rewarded with stunning views of the island’s coastline and the broad fiery expanse of the Atlantic.
Magnifique Mussels at La Bouvette
For seafood lovers, especially if you love your mussels, then no trip to Ile de Re is complete without a visit to the fantastique La Bouvette.
Laurent Mertz uses the best local, seasonal produce in his food.
The mussels are grilled over an open air coal stove which gives them a very tasty, smoky flavour: some of the tastiest mussels I have ever had.
You can enjoy the mussels as part of their excellent fixed priced lunch menu. Priced at 20 euros, La Bouvette is superb value for the quality of food and quality of gastronomic experience.
La Bouvette
Raise flottaise, Le Morinand – 17580 Le Bois Plage en Ré – 00 33 (0)5 46 09 29 87
Situated in the charming village of La Couarde Sur Mer is the enchanting and very budget friendly Hotel Le Vieux Greement.
Situated in the heart of the village, you’re in the hub of everything.
Rooms with a view at Hotel Le Vieux Greement
There is a wine bar on premises, stunning church ( Picture of church above is from hotel room) awesome boulangerie few steps away and just a 5 minute walk away are some of the island finest beaches.
With prices of 70 euros for 2 person in low season, this is superb value – highly recommended
Hotel Le Vieux Gréement
13 place Carnot – 17670 La Couarde sur Mer – 0033 5 46 29 82 18
Getting to Ile De Re
Jet2.com and Flybe operate flights to La Rochelle Airport. From La Rochelle’s railway station you can reach Ile De Re for €13.20 (£11) return.
They depart every 45 minutes or so – Check here for timetables
If you missed…..here is my earlier installment of getting lost in the streets of La Rochelle and also falling in love with the red colours of La Rochelle
Disclaimer: Please note that this trip was sponsored by Poitou Charentes Tourism Board but the views represented here are my own.
Here a short video I shot 10 days about on l’île de Ré. Enjoy !
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