Maison Emerillon

About this property

Discover the delights of the north-west corner of Ile de Ré with this characterful 3-bedroom abode just a few steps from the lovely shops, restaurants and beaches of Les Portes-en-Ré.

Be enchanted by the summer scent of jasmine as you approach the front door via the charming alleyway and enter into your lovely home. Dating back to the early 1900s, Maison Emerillon was once a wine cellar yet as been gracefully restored into a holiday home with many traditional features. Admire the exposed stone walls and beautiful flooring and see the light flooding in from the wide French windows that open up to the pretty courtyard. The living, dining and kitchen space has been tastefully styled whilst three sweet and cosy bedrooms each feature their own modern shower room.

Outside, catch the sunlight in the courtyard garden with a glass of chilled wine and enjoy meals al-fresco using the striking stone barbecue. You can even grab a moment’s peace by sitting in the second tiny patio, also accessed from the dining area. When you are ready, stroll into the heart of Les Portes-en-Ré with its flower-filled lanes, eateries and shops.

Look out for the daily summer market where you can shop alongside the friendly locals for all sorts of regional produce, perhaps to enjoy as a picnic on the beach. Food lovers also note, nearby Ars-en-Ré hosts a lively twice-weekly market all year round or head to the oldest village of the island, La Flotte, with its daily market stalls; both places are classified as two of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’.

A vast sandy beach with a range of watersports is within walking distance or hire bikes to explore further afield where you can cycle through the pine forests to the incredible beach and lighthouse at Conche des Baleines or visit the salt marshes of the Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve with its wildlife trails.

There is so much of this incredible island to discover – a must for those longing for relaxing, care-free holidays in a beautiful part of France.

Maison Emerillon is perfectly positioned just a short stroll from the heart of Les Portes-en-Ré in the beautiful north-west corner of Ile de Ré, an area known for its vast beaches and incredible natural scenery.

The island is reached via a 3km long toll bridge which connects the mainland to Ile de Ré and then it’s a further half hour drive up to Les Portes-en-Ré, passing past some of the island’s most delightful villages. The maison doesn’t have car parking right outside but you can usually find a space around 100m away, then wander down a narrow lane and archway to reach your home.

It’s just a few minutes stroll into the heart of Les Portes-en-Ré with its boulangerie, butchers, patisserie, small supermarket and pretty little shops selling regional produce. The main square hosts a daily Farmer’s market in the summer where you will be able to buy the famous Trousse Chemise oysters.

Another special experience is cycling south of the village, past the 9-hole golf course and as far as a little cabin selling local oysters looking out over the salt marshes. Also, a little further along, is a superbly positioned beachside restaurant looking out towards the bay.

The island is a paradise for food lovers with many bustling Farmer’s markets where you can pick up some of the local specialities such as Ile de Ré potatoes, fleur de sel, Charentes-Poitou butter as well as a wealth of shellfish picked straight from the island’s bays. There’s even wine and beer production on the island.

The island’s beaches are simply superb and ideal for long lazy days with the family as well as watersport enthusiasts. The nearest beach, only 700m away, is wonderful, as is the Conche des Baleines with its 19th century lighthouse, reached via cycle paths through the pine forests. Watersports on the island (many which are offered at the town’s watersports centre) include wind-surfing, sailing, sea-kayaking and kite-surfing.

Horse-riding can also be found nearby whilst cycling is one of the area’s most popular pursuits with trails covering so much of the island. Hire bikes locally and head down to the amazing salt marshes and wetland of the Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve, especially wonderful for bird-spotters and lovers of wildlife with guided tours available. 

Two of France’s 'Plus Beaux Villages', Ars-en-Ré (8km) and La Flotte (28km) are worthy of a visit and the charming main town of Saint-Martin-de-Ré (25km) is also a joy to explore with its historic buildings and lovely harbour – look out for the town’s well-known jazz festival in August.

For a day out with a difference, perhaps en route or on the way back, La Rochelle (47km) is also a great place to spend some time with its vibrant daily market, historic sights, lovely marina and picturesque port.

Accommodation

Maison Interiors (80m2)

-    Open-plan living area with fireplace and TV corner
-    Open-plan galley style kitchen-diner, well equipped including dishwasher, fridge-freezer, 3 x induction hobs, electric oven, microwave, kettle, coffee machine and toaster
-    Laundry room
-    Bedroom (11m2) with twin beds (80cm each), shutters and shower room with shower and sink
-    Separate WC
-    Bedroom (10m2) with double bed (160cm) and shower room with shower and sink

Annexe (accessed from courtyard)

-    Bedroom (8m2) with twin beds (80cm each) and shower room with shower, sink and WC

Outside Grounds

-    Courtyard patio with BBQ and al-fresco dining area 
-    Old well
-    Small patio

Facilities

-    Internet connection
-    Underfloor heating
-    TV
-    Washing machine and dryer