The Île de Ré, or “La Blanche” (The White Island), is more than just a holiday destination; it is a sensory experience. Located just off the coast of La Rochelle in the Charente-Maritime department, this 30-kilometre strip of land is defined by salt marshes, oyster shacks, whitewashed houses with green shutters, and a staggering 100 kilometres of pristine cycle paths.
Also Check: Ile de Ré Tourism Guide: Discover the Jewel of Charente-Maritime
For the modern traveler, camping on Île de Ré remains the most authentic way to experience this UNESCO-adjacent paradise. However, with over 40 campsites ranging from “back-to-basics” municipal plots to ultra-luxury 5-star resorts, finding the right base requires local insight. This guide, updated with the most recent travel trends and logistical data, will help you navigate the “Eurocamp” vs. “Huttopia” dilemma and find your perfect Atlantic escape.
Why Camping is the “Authentic” Way to See Île de Ré
While the island boasts boutique hotels and expensive villas, they often insulate you from the island’s true character. Camping puts you at the level of the salt marshes and the dunes. On the Île de Ré, the bicycle is king. Most campsites are positioned with direct access to the cycle network, meaning you can park your car on day one and not touch it again until you leave.
The “Slow Travel” Trend
In 2025, the island has doubled down on sustainability. Many sites now offer electric bike charging stations, organic “zero-waste” grocery shops on-site, and wellness programs that swap loud discos for morning yoga overlooking the Atlantic.
1. The Luxury Tier: Eurocamp and 5-Star Resorts on Île de Ré
If you are searching for Eurocamp Île de Ré or similar high-end experiences, you are likely looking for the “Resort” feel. These sites offer the convenience of pre-pitched mobile homes with the amenities of a boutique hotel.
Sunêlia Interlude (Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré)
As one of the few 5-star outdoor hotels on the island, Sunêlia Interlude is the gold standard. Located at Gros-Jonc beach, it offers a rare combination of luxury and family-friendliness.
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The Vibe: High-end conviviality. Think spa treatments and gourmet dining.
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Unique Feature: It houses a professional nursery (Baby-Club) for children from 3 months to 4 years old—a rarity in French camping.
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2025 Update: The site has recently expanded its “Fortunate” premium range of cottages, featuring private hot tubs and secluded wooden decking.
Eurocamp Options & Premium Mobile Homes
When booking through Eurocamp Île de Ré, you are often staying at top-tier partner sites like Camping Le Bel Air or Camping Interlude.
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Why book Eurocamp? It offers English-speaking support and a flexible “pay-in-installments” model that many French-owned sites lack.
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Key Site: Look for Camping Le Sueur if you want a water park with heated pools, which is essential if you are visiting during the “shoulder” months of May or September.
Insider Tip: If you are looking for Luxury Camping Île de Ré, prioritize sites in Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré. This village sits in the center of the island, providing the best “hub” for cycling both to the lighthouse in the west and the citadel in the east.
2. The “Novelty” Choice: Huttopia Île de Ré
For those who find large resorts too “plastic,” Huttopia Île de Ré (specifically Huttopia Chardons Bleus) offers a middle ground between wild camping and luxury.
Huttopia Chardons Bleus (Sainte-Marie-de-Ré)
Nestled in a pine forest, Huttopia focuses on “Glamping.”
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Accommodation: Their “Toile & Bois” (Canvas and Wood) tents allow you to fall asleep to the sound of wind in the pines but wake up in a real bed with a kitchen at your disposal.
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The Bohemian Edge: The 21m² Gypsy Caravans (Roulottes) are a massive hit for 2025. They offer a bohemian essence that perfectly matches the island’s artistic history.
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Expert Recommendation: Choose the “Sweet” tent if you want a private bathroom. It’s the ultimate “novelty” stay for a couple’s retreat.
3. The Best Campsites for Families and Tents
If you are bringing your own gear—the classic Camping with your own tent on the Île de Ré experience—location and facilities are paramount.
Camping Le Cormoran (Ars-en-Ré)
Ars-en-Ré is officially one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France,” recognizable by its black-and-white church spire. Le Cormoran is situated just 800 meters from this village.
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The Amenities: It’s a 5-star site but maintains excellent “bare pitches.”
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Why here? The cycle paths from Ars-en-Ré take you through the salt marshes where you can buy sea salt (Fleur de Sel) directly from the producers.
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2025 Strategy: The site has limited tent pitches (around 27), so for 2025, you must book at least 6 months in advance for July/August stays.
Camping Seasonova (Les Portes-en-Ré)
Located at the far tip of the island, this is for those who want to get away from the crowds. It’s adjacent to the Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve.
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Best For: Birdwatchers and nature lovers.
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Proximity: A short walk to the village of Les Portes-en-Ré, which has a chic, upscale market and excellent bistros.
4. The Budget Secret: Municipal Campsites (Camping Municipal)
For travelers who want to spend their money on fresh oysters and Pineau des Charentes rather than a water park, Municipal Campsites in France are the secret weapon. They are owned by the local town council and are significantly cheaper.
Top Municipal Picks on the Island:
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Camping Municipal Les Portes-en-Ré: Rugged, coastal, and incredibly affordable.
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Camping Municipal Le Bois-Plage: Known for its proximity to the largest daily market on the island.
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Camping Municipal Île d’Oléron (Nearby Alternative): If Ré is fully booked, its sister island Oléron offers municipal sites that are often easier to secure at the last minute.
5. Comparative Table: Choosing Your Base
To help you decide, we have compared the top-rated sites based on the 2025 criteria:
| Campsite Name | Star Rating | Best For | Key Feature | Price Range (High Season) |
| Sunêlia Interlude | 5-Star | Families w/ Babies | On-site Nursery & Spa | €€€€ |
| Le Cormoran | 5-Star | Cyclists | Near Ars-en-Ré & Nature | €€€ |
| Huttopia Chardons Bleus | Glamping | Couples/Bohemians | Wooden Tents in Pine Forest | €€€ |
| Camping Seasonova | 4-Star | Peace & Quiet | Edge of Nature Reserve | €€ |
| Municipal Les Portes | 2-Star | Budget/Purists | Absolute Beach Proximity | € |
6. Motorhome and Campervan Logistics on Île de Ré
The island is famously strict about motorhome camping. “Wild” camping is strictly prohibited to protect the delicate dunes and salt marshes.
Best Motorhome Parking Areas (Aires):
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Saint-Clément-des-Baleines: Located 200m from the “Côte Sauvage,” this is perfect for those who love the rugged west coast. It has 45 places and provides water/electricity.
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Les-Portes-en-Ré Parking: Near the surf beaches. It costs approximately €25 in peak season (July/August) but drops to €12 in the off-season.
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Le Phare (Lighthouse) Area: Only 50 meters from the beach. It’s the most iconic view to wake up to, but it fills up by 10:00 AM daily.
Legal Tip for 2025: Many parking areas now use height barriers. If your motorhome is over 2.1 meters, you must stick to designated “Aires” or official campsites.
7. When to Visit: The Seasonal Guide
Timing is everything. The Île de Ré has a micro-climate (it has as many sunshine hours as the Mediterranean), but the Atlantic wind can be fierce.
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May & June: The “Golden Window.” The hollyhocks (roses trémières) are in full bloom against the white walls. Campsites are 40% cheaper than in July.
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July & August: Vibrant, busy, and expensive. This is the only time the 5-star water parks are truly essential.
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September: The “Connoisseur’s Month.” The sea is at its warmest, the crowds have vanished, and the oyster season is in full swing.
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Winter: Most campsites close between November and March. February is the coldest month; avoid tent camping during this time.
8. Insider Activities: Beyond the Campsite
To make your trip “novel” and authentic, step away from the tourist traps and try these:
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The Vauban Fortifications (Saint-Martin-de-Ré): Don’t just look at the walls. Rent a bike and cycle on top of the star-shaped fortifications designed by Louis XIV’s military engineer.
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The Phare des Baleines: Climb the 257 steps of the Lighthouse of the Whales at Saint-Clément. The view of the Atlantic is unparalleled.
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Oyster Tasting at the Source: Stop at a “Dégustation” shack along the cycle path between Loix and La Couarde. For €12, you can get a dozen oysters and a glass of local white wine.
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Salt Marsh Tours: Visit the Écomusée du Marais Salant in Loix to learn how the islanders have harvested salt for a thousand years.
9. Practical Resources
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Gear Up: Need a tent that survives Atlantic winds? Check our Coastal Camping Gear Review.
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Book Your Stay: For the best rates on Eurocamp Île de Ré and 5-star mobile homes, we recommend booking through our partner link here for exclusive discounts.
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Travel Insurance: Coastal holidays can be unpredictable. Get a quote from World2Cover to protect your French adventure.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Île de Ré Camping
Is Eurocamp Île de Ré suitable for toddlers?
Absolutely. Most Eurocamp partner sites, like Sunêlia Interlude, offer specific “Baby-Clubs” and shallow, heated paddling pools. The island itself is flat, making it the easiest place in France to tow a child-trailer behind your bike.
What are the best campsites on Île de Ré for surfers?
Look for sites near Le Bois-Plage or Les Portes-en-Ré. These areas have the most consistent Atlantic swells. The Bois-Plage-en-Ré parking area is a favorite for van-lifers with surfboards.
Can I find 5-star campsites on Île de Ré that allow dogs?
Yes, but with caveats. Le Cormoran and Huttopia generally allow dogs in the off-season, but they must be on a lead. Always check the specific 2025 “Animal Policy” before booking, as some beaches ban dogs from June to September.
How much is the bridge toll for Île de Ré?
The “Pont de l’Île de Ré” has a variable toll. In summer (mid-June to mid-September), it is approximately €16 for a standard car. In winter, it drops to €8. This fee includes a “green tax” to preserve the island’s environment. Bicycles and pedestrians are free.
Are there any “Wild Camping” spots left on the island?
In short: No. The local Gendarmerie is very active, patrolling dunes and forests. Fines can exceed €150. Always use an official campsite or a designated motorhome area.
What is the best “Huttopia France” location?
While Huttopia has many sites, Chardons Bleus on Île de Ré is widely considered one of their best due to the unique blend of forest environment and ocean proximity.
Final Thoughts
The Île de Ré is a protected jewel. When you choose to camp here, you are participating in a tradition that spans generations. Whether you are in a high-end Eurocamp Île de Ré mobile home or a simple tent at a Camping Municipal, the island rewards those who slow down.
Pack your striped Breton shirt, hire a bike the moment you arrive, and let the rhythm of the tides dictate your holiday. The “White Island” is waiting.
Would you like me to help you plan a specific 7-day cycling itinerary or provide a detailed packing list for your Atlantic camping trip?
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