My Little French Secret – Just Two Miles off The Atlantic Coast of France ( 3 Hours By Train from Paris)

For those you like me; who liked the French films of the 1950’s (Hey, there are still some of us around) where everyone cycles slowly down endless French roads, wearing Breton shirts and smiling Bonjours! ,where rabbits hop around gardens; where children don’t scream and the sound of the lone church bell is the only thing disturbing the piece, then the Ile de Re is a place for you.

Two miles off the Atlantic coast, facing La Rochelle likes a place that time forgot. There isn’t even any sign of electricity cable, they are tastefully buried underground. There is no noon or plastic signs, no billboards’, no bright, garish front doors – this small island oozes taste, class, simplicity and quiet. If New York is a city that never sleeps, Ile de Re is the island that never wakes up.

Here you’ll find an island of whitewashed fishermen’s villages, fine sand breaches, wild hollyhocks, salt marshes and a climate that shares the privilege with the Cote d’Azur as being one of the sunniest regions in France. The vegetation is surprisingly southern, almost Mediterranean, pine trees and palms grow well here.

Although in the summer, 100,000 tourists visit, they have not spoiled Re’s charm and off-season, the island is lived-in but tranquil.

Accommodations range from deluxe to simple inns, the food is spectacular – seafood – fresh galore! And there are even a few vineyards on the island producing quite nice wine.

There are about 10 lovely fishing villages that dot the island. Romantic harbors abound.

But the thing to do here (there are over 60 miles of bike trails – flat! And yes, you can rent bikes here after you settle in) narrow lanes that connect villages, vineyards, wood and beaches. They take you where cars can’t.

The island is also home to many famous French personalities – from the film/theatre world and Politics.

There is NO volleyball nets or lifeguards, no jet-skis, no smoky BBq’s or People selling you slices of pineapples and coconuts – no, its just you and nature and great food and a place to come down, relax and be QUIET!

If you have to ask, Howard, what is there to do? Then please don’t come, for this place is not and never will be for you!