Saint-Martin-de-Ré is the capital of the Île de Ré and the most convenient starting point for exploring the island's 110 km of cycle paths. Its UNESCO-listed port, Vauban ramparts, covered market and cobbled streets make the town the best base camp for a cycling vacation.

Lokki compares 27 rental companies and 263 bikes available in Saint-Martin-de-Ré. See prices, availability and customer reviews at a glance, then book online. Your bike is ready and waiting for you, or delivered directly to your hotel or rental.

Why cycle from Saint-Martin-de-Ré?

The town is in the center of the Île de Ré, within easy reach of all the other villages:

• La Flotte: 4 km along the coastal path (20 min on a classic bike)

• Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré: 5 km inland (20 min)

• La Couarde-sur-Mer: 10 km (35 min)

• Ars-en-Ré: 16 km through the salt marshes (55 min)

• Les Portes-en-Ré: 23 km through the Lilleau des Niges reserve (1 hr 15 min)

• Phare des Baleines: 26 km through the northern tip (1 hr 30 min)

The complete bike tour of the Île de Ré is around 70 km long and can be done in one day from Saint-Martin, or over two days with a stopover in Ars-en-Ré.

Which bike should I choose for Saint-Martin-de-Ré?

• Classic bike / VTC - for family outings as far as La Flotte or Le Bois-Plage (less than 10 km).

• VAE (electric bike) - the No. 1 choice for coping with the Atlantic wind and linking up several villages in a day without tiring.

• Cargo or electric longtail - for transporting 2 children or shopping from the covered market.

• Children's bike, baby seat, trailer, follower - available from all rental outlets on Saint-Martin.

Long-range electric bikes (100-120 km) are recommended if you want to tour the whole island in a day.

Where can you pick up your bike in Saint-Martin-de-Ré?

Our 27 rental outlets cover the whole town: port, Quai Clémenceau, Quai de la Poithevinière, avenue Bouthillier, remparts Vauban, rue Jean Jaurès. Stores are generally less than 500 m from the port and covered market.

Don't feel like moving? Most of our rental companies deliver your bike free of charge to your hotel, vacation home or campsite within a 5 km radius of Saint-Martin (from 2 bikes / 2 days). Select the "delivery" option when booking.

What to see by bike from Saint-Martin-de-Ré

• The Vauban fortifications (UNESCO) and the tour of the ramparts

• The port and its lively quays in the late afternoon

• The citadel and its former prison

• The church of Saint-Martin and its panoramic bell tower

• The salt marshes towards Ars-en-Ré

• La Cible beach and the Bureau beach

• La Flotte, a village classified as "Plus Beaux Villages de France" (4 km)

• Ars-en-Ré and its emblematic black-and-white bell tower (16 km)

• La Couarde-sur-Mer and its wild beaches (10 km)

Les Portes-en-Ré and the Lilleau des Niges Reserve (23 km)

| Type of bike | From | Nearest rental company | --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- | Vélo classique / VTC | 10 € / day | boutiques du port | VAE (electric bike) | 14 € / day | Quai Clémenceau | | VTT | 12 € / day | avenue Bouthillier | Cargo / Longtail électrique | 28 € / day | Quai de la Poithevinière | | Vélo enfant | 6 € / day | most rental outlets | | Baby seat / trailer | 3 - 10 € / day | optional |

How much does it cost to rent a bike in Saint-Martin-de-Ré?

Prices start at 10 € / day for a classic bike and 14 € / day for a VAE at our 27 partner rental companies. You can expect to pay €16-20 for a full day on a comfort bike and €25-35 for a top-of-the-range VAE. Reduced rates apply from 2 days onwards (up to -50% for a week).

Where are the bike rental outlets in Saint-Martin-de-Ré?

Our 27 rental outlets are located around the port, the covered market, the Vauban ramparts and Quai Clémenceau. Most stores are less than 500 m from the town center. The neighboring villages (La Flotte, Le Bois-Plage, La Couarde) also have numerous pick-up points.

Is it possible to have your bike delivered to your hotel or rental?

Yes. The majority of rental companies in Saint-Martin-de-Ré will deliver your bike free of charge to your hotel, campsite or vacation home within a 5 km radius, for a minimum of 2 bikes booked over 2 days. Requests must be made at the time of booking.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes, especially between June and September and during school vacations. In Saint-Martin-de-Ré, the VAEs, cargos and longtails are the first to leave - often fully booked 2 to 4 weeks in advance. Out of season, availability is guaranteed within 24 hours.

Are helmet, anti-theft device and insurance included?

Helmet and anti-theft device are included free of charge with almost all rental companies in Saint-Martin-de-Ré. Insurance (theft + breakage) is optional, from €1 to €5 / day depending on the bike.

How long does it take to cycle around the Ile de Ré from Saint-Martin?

The complete tour of the Ile de Ré is around 70 km long, and can be done in a day from Saint-Martin-de-Ré (allow 5 to 6 hours' cycling). By VAE, it's more comfortable. You can also cut the itinerary into 2 days, with a stopover in Ars-en-Ré.

Where should you park your car when cycling from Saint-Martin?

The free parking lots around the Vauban ramparts and the Bastion de Toiras are the most convenient. In high season, use the island's park-and-ride facilities or park at Rivedoux-Plage on the bridge side to avoid the traffic.

Is it possible to rent a bike in winter or off-season in Saint-Martin?

Yes. Several rental companies in Saint-Martin-de-Ré (including Réavélo, Beach Bikes, Les Vélos de l'Île de Ré) are open all year round. Off-season prices can be 20% to 30% lower than in summer.

Can I return my bike to another store on the island?

Yes, at several multi-point networks (Beach Bikes, Réavélo, Cycland). For example, you can leave Saint-Martin and return the bike to Ars-en-Ré or Portes-en-Ré. Check the "multi-site return" option on the rental company's information sheet.