Île de Ré is reached by a single 3 km toll bridge from La Rochelle, crossed in about ten minutes, and there is no train on the island itself. The island is built for the bicycle: more than 100 km of dedicated cycling paths connect every village, and the local norm is a dog riding in a basket, trailer or front carrier. Most visitors arrive by car over the bridge and then leave it parked, switching to bikes. The nearest train station is Gare de La Rochelle on the mainland, with onward buses across the bridge; the nearest airport is La Rochelle (LRH), about 20 minutes away. With your own bike or a rental, a calm dog and the island's flat terrain, you barely need motorised transport once you are over the bridge.
The way to explore the island. Dogs ride in baskets, front carriers or dedicated bike trailers, all widely available at the island's many rental shops. Small dogs travel in a basket; larger dogs in a trailer or cart. This is completely normal here and shops will fit a basket or trailer to your rental.
The 3 km bridge from La Rochelle is the only road link, crossed by car in about ten minutes. Dogs travel free in your own vehicle. A return toll is charged per car (reduced off-season); there is no separate charge for pets. Expect summer queues at the bridge approach on changeover days.
The Rébus network links the island villages and runs across the bridge to La Rochelle station (line 3). Small dogs in a closed carrier travel free; larger dogs without a carrier are at the driver's discretion and not guaranteed, so the bike or car is the safer plan for a big dog. Useful as a back-up if you arrive by train at La Rochelle without a car.
Our top-rated pet-friendly hotels, handpicked and verified.
HR Hôtel & Spa Marin (Le Richelieu)
★★★★★ · 8.9/10
€280/night
Hôtel Le Galion
★★★ · 8.4/10
€135/night
Le Clos Saint-Martin Hôtel & Spa
★★★★ · 8.8/10
€260/night
Looking for a place to stay elsewhere? These destinations near Île de Ré also welcome your dog.
