Paddleboarding on the Isle of Ré: the best spots for gliding between sea and marsh

The Île de Ré is undoubtedly one of the best spots in France for stand-up paddleboarding. Located on the Atlantic coast, this natural gem offers an exceptional variety of landscapes: long sandy beaches, salt marshes, tranquil canals, and gentle waves. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paddleboarder, it's an ideal destination for a unique paddleboarding experience in a peaceful, unspoiled setting.

Paddleboarding on the Isle of Ré

🌟 Why go paddleboarding on the Île de Ré?

• Varied landscapes : explore salt marshes, glide on the ocean, or paddle along wild coastlines.

• Easy accessibility : a bridge connects the island to the mainland, near La Rochelle.

• A mild climate : perfect for trips on the water from spring to autumn.

• A natural and calm atmosphere : far from the hustle and bustle, it's the perfect place to reconnect.

📍 The best paddleboarding spots on the Île de Ré

The Île de Ré is full of exceptional spots for stand-up paddleboarding. Paddleboarding on the Île de Ré: Here are the most iconic spots, each with its own unique features, for an experience suitable for all levels: beginners, experienced paddlers, families, and adventurers.

1. 🏖️ Gollandières Beach (Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré)

Located in the south of the island, this beach is one of the most popular spots for paddleboarding. Protected from the wind, with moderate waves, it offers an ideal setting for beginners and advanced sessions . The beach is also the starting point for Papaï Paddle lessons, making it a popular spot for families, beginners and children.

• ✅ Ideal for: beginners, families, internships

• 🌀 Conditions: shallow water, small waves

• 🏫 Services: Papaï Paddle school, rental, supervised courses

  
  

2. 🌿 The salt marshes between Loix, La Couarde and Ars-en-Ré

This spot, far from the hustle and bustle, offers a natural and meditative paddleboarding experience. Glide gently between the canals lined with reeds and samphire, you will come across herons, egrets and sometimes even storks. This setting is perfect for a peaceful paddleboarding trip, off the beaten track .

• ✅ Ideal for: contemplative walks, nature hikes

• 🌳 Landscape: marshes, rich flora and fauna

• ❌ No waves, perfect for relaxation

  
  

3. 🌊 Gros Jonc Beach (Les Portes-en-Ré)

This spot is more sporty, often chosen by experienced paddlers. The waves are more consistent, making it an ideal place to try SUP surfing . In summer, the conditions can also be suitable for intermediates looking to progress in a wild and less crowded setting.

• ✅ Ideal for: experienced paddlers, SUP surfing

• 🌊 Conditions: moderate to strong swell depending on the weather

• 🌾 Environment: natural beach, open view

  
  

4. 🏖️ Target Beach (Saint-Martin-de-Ré)

Located near the port, this beach is easy to access and pleasant for a short paddleboarding session. It is particularly popular at the end of the day for a sunset stroll , with a view of the ramparts of Saint-Martin.

• ✅ Ideal for: quick sessions, urban walks

• ☀️ Best time: quiet morning or evening

• 🚶 Easy access from the city center

  
  

5. 🛶 La Flotte and Rivedoux-Plage

These two seaside villages offer calm waters and a unique panorama of the bridge to the Ile de Ré. It's an excellent choice for beginners or for a family paddle activity , with the possibility of combining discovery of the village and water sports.

• ✅ Ideal for: relaxing paddleboarding, families, easy access

• 🌽 Decor: view of the continent and the bridge

• 🌚 Infrastructure: parking, markets, shops nearby

Papaï Paddle : a reference for paddleboarding on the Isle of Ré

Founded in 2010 by Anaïs and Maxime, Papaï Paddle is the first stand-up paddleboarding school on the Île de Ré. Located on the magnificent Gollandières beach in Bois-Plage-en-Ré—ranked among the island's three most beautiful beaches—the school offers classes for all levels, nature walks in the marshes, and equipment rental.

“What we want is to highlight the beautiful hikes we offer in the marshes with the birds and the preserved nature, in the calm, far from the villages and cycle paths, in the north of the island. Also highlight the paddle courses up to advanced in the small waves of Gollandières beach. And of course, the equipment rental, especially stand up paddle.” — Maxime , co-founder of Papaï Paddle

Papaï Paddle stands out for its unique guided hikes in the marshes , accessible to all. It's the perfect opportunity to explore exceptional flora and fauna, in a serene environment, far from the hustle and bustle of beaches or cycle paths.

The school also organizes paddleboarding courses including initiation and improvement supervised by qualified instructors.

When it comes to rentals , Papaï Paddle offers quality equipment for all types of people: stand-up paddleboards, surfboards, bodyboards, and even XL paddleboards for group outings (up to 8 people). Whether it's for a leisurely outing or a sporty session, everything is planned.

📍 Book directly at: www.papaipaddle.com 06 87 10 35 43

PAPAÏ PADDLE, Ile de Ré, LE BOIS BEACH IN RÉ, Gollandières beach

📷 In summary: paddleboarding on the Île de Ré, an experience to be had

The Île de Ré combines everything a paddleboarder is looking for: natural beauty, a variety of spots, a relaxed atmosphere, and quality infrastructure. Thanks to schools like Papaï Paddle , you can enjoy a complete experience, combining learning, adventure, and exploration.

🤔 FAQ: Everything you need to know about paddleboard and kayak rentals on the Île de Ré

❓ 1. Where to rent a paddleboard on the Île de Ré?

You can rent a stand-up paddleboard on Gollandières beach (Bois-Plage-en-Ré), or in La Couarde, Saint-Martin-de-Ré and Rivedoux-Plage where several rental companies are located on the seafront.

❓ 2. Can you paddleboard in the salt marshes of the Île de Ré?

Yes, some schools organize guided hikes in the marshes between Loix and Ars-en-Ré, in a wild and peaceful environment.

❓ 3. Are there paddleboarding courses for beginners?

Absolutely, several schools offer introductory and advanced courses, particularly on the beaches of Bois-Plage and La Couarde.

❓ 4. Can you go kayaking on the Île de Ré?

Yes, kayaking is also very popular. You'll find rentals in La Flotte, Saint-Martin-de-Ré, and at the port of Loix.

❓ 5. What are the best places for kayaking on the Île de Ré?

Kayak trips in the marshes of Loix, around Fier d'Ars, or along the coast between Saint-Martin and La Flotte are very popular.

❓ 6. Can we rent equipment for the whole day?

Yes, most rental companies like Inter Iles or Ré Glisse offer half-day and full-day rates.

❓ 7. Do I need to book in advance to rent a paddleboard in summer?

It is highly recommended in July and August, especially on busy beaches such as Le Bois-Plage, Saint-Martin or La Couarde.

❓ 8. Can you paddleboard with children?

Yes, some schools offer XL paddleboards for families, and introductory sessions from age 6.

❓ 9. What is the average price to rent a paddleboard on the Île de Ré?

Expect to pay between €10 for 30 minutes and €25 for two hours. Some family or group packages are also available.

❓ 10. Can you paddleboard at sunset on the Île de Ré?

Yes, it's actually very popular. Spots like Cible Beach (Saint-Martin) or Gros Jonc Beach are perfect for a late-day outing.