An Island Stop in Île de Ré!

6/23/2016

Bonjour mes amis!

Doesn't it make sense to go to a coastline when one is in France?  And one better, what about going to an island?  The bridge below would take us to Île de Ré, an island off the western coast of France.  Too bad the weather was cloudy with threats of rain.

We thought one of our early views on the island was kind of cool, but found out later that on the left there, it is a prison.

We immediately went to the Office of Tourism, and were recommended this Museum below about the island and the island donkeys, but, because we could see what lay beyond, we decided we'd rather get to see the island instead.

Our first view!  Looks interesting!  Let's go!

The weather was threatening, but still the harbor was beautiful!

To avoid some rain, we popped over toward a market.  It's amazing the choices of Olives in France!

A pause in the rain, let's quick get out to the water!

Too risky with the rain...back to town...

Dr. J always loves to look in the Churches to view the stained glass windows...

I usually try to find a creative angle...

Time for a leisurely stop and a snack.  Dr. J chose Oysters.  I'm just not a fan.  I had teriyaki shrimp!

And then we strolled some more as the weather started to brighten!  Pretty shops and buildings!

Now the harbor looks even prettier!

Our first stop was in St. Martin-de-Ré.  Now we wanted to see the rest of the island all the way to the tip.  A couple views along the way...

Yes, those donkeys are hairy!  And yes, there were lots of vineyards along the way!

We ventured all the way to the tip of the island, to Phare de Baleines, or Lighthouse of the Whales.

And we got to see water, as far as the eye could see...

And we took a wind blown photo with not much background but sky!

We spotted the most interesting flowers...ones we've never seen before, on our way back!

Hope you enjoyed this casual Island stop with me today.  I understand that Île de Ré is a real vacation hot spot for Parisians!

Wishing you a "jewel" of a day!
Jan