L'Ile de Ré, France

 

The Ile de Ré, a small island off the French Atlantic coast, near the city of La Rochelle, is lovingly nicknamed La Blanche (the White). There are several reasons for this nickname, the white beaches, the white buildings or the oleander that looks even a shade whiter here than elsewhere, but actually it is the salt that sponsored the name.

Salt and Fleur de Sel are still gathered in the salt marshes of the island by traditional methods. Until Roman times, Ile de Ré consisted of 3 smaller islands, but the space between them was constantly filled up by silting and also by gaining salt fields from the sea.

But the main attraction of the island is the unique charm and the serenity of its a bout 17.500 inhabitants. Tourists enjoy the beautifully preserved landscapes, with cypress and pine trees, the wonderful beaches and vineyards where wine, cognac and pineau are procuded. Pineau is a delicious apéritif, blended from wine and cognac.

The old city of Saint Martin, located within the citadel, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 along with 11 other Fortifications of Vauban, all across France.

In 1987 a bridge was built that connects the island to the mainland, until then visiting the Ile de Ré was done by roll-on-roll off ferries.

It is no longer an insider tipp, thousands of tourists come for a visit each year, but Ile de Ré still a perfect place to forget about the often hectic life, to unwind and enjoy the wine and fresh seafood in one of the many restaurants.

Thank you Dieter Pech for this wonderful postcard !!!