Rivedoux-Plage: Beaches, Cycling Routes and Maritime Heritage

Rivedoux-Plage offers a variety of coastal areas, water sports, cycling routes and maritime history to help you plan your trip. It is particularly useful to distinguish between the north and south coasts; local oyster farming and two historic buildings are also highlights.

North and South Coasts

Kitesurfing takes place at Rivedoux’s north beach. The beach stretches for 1.4 km from the bridge to the port of Rivedoux. The south coast runs from the Île de Ré bridge to Pointe de Chauveau in the Pertuis d’Antioche and includes 2 km of fine-sand beaches. The south beach is suitable for swimming, sailing and jet skiing.

For choosing activities, the distinction is clear: kitesurfing at the north beach, and swimming, sailing and jet skiing on the south coast. The lengths also differ: 1.4 km in the north and 2 km of fine-sand beaches in the south. The endpoints help distinguish the two coastal areas: the north beach reaches the port, while the south coast extends to Pointe de Chauveau.

Cycling and Oyster Farming

Rivedoux-Plage is a starting point for 110 km of cycling routes. A distinctive culinary experience is the “Chemin gourmand du sud de l'île à vélo” cycling tour: cyclists can enjoy oysters at oyster farms by the sea. The two cycling options appeal to different interests: the 110 km of routes are a factor in trip planning, while the tour combines cycling with an oyster tasting.

Rivedoux-Plage was the birthplace of modern oyster farming on the Île de Ré and is an important oyster-farming location. The tasting at oyster farms is therefore connected to a subject that also helps define the local character of the place. The tour and participating businesses may not always be available; check what is currently offered before making plans.

Lighthouse and Redoubt

The Phare de Chauveau lighthouse was built between 1839 and 1842. It is 30.70 m high, of which 27.30 m is above sea level. These two measurements complement the construction period with specific dimensions. The lighthouse is currently closed to the public; take this visiting restriction into account and check it before your trip. The two height measurements differ by 3.40 m.

The Redoute de Sablanceaux is a square structure with sides measuring 45 m. It was built in 1674 to Vauban’s specifications to block off the Sablanceaux peninsula. Its visiting arrangements differ from those of the lighthouse: the redoubt’s outdoor areas are freely accessible, but the building itself is not open to visitors. Check visiting arrangements before your trip here as well.

Discover more destinations: Brie-sous-Mortagne, La Flotte-En-Re, Saint-Savinien, Tonnay-Boutonne, Medis, Vervant, Saint-Seurin-de-Palenne, Loix.

For the broader travel overview: Charente-Maritime.