Geographically, the island is one of three (the others being Ile de Noirmoutier and Ile d’Oléron). It lies 3km off the mainland coast (accessed via an impressive viaduct anchored at La Pallice) of Charente Maritime on the Atlantic Coast, parallel with La Rochelle and is 5km at its widest and 30km long.

La Noue en Ré is the oldest town on the island and its rich soil has contributed much to the area's wine growing. It is a small, pretty town with a local beach and a spectacular coastline. The beachfront house is located right outside the village of Sainte-Marie de Ré - La Noue, with its 2,000 inhabitants, on the Ile de Ré.

Ile de Ré on Google Maps

The question should be why not?

Ile de Ré has recently been voted by the Sunday Telegraph one of Europe's 'must-go' holiday destination. Everybody loves Ile de Ré and can't sing its praises high enough. Ile de Ré is the country by the seaside, with a landscape that is privileged and protected.

It is the northernmost zone of the appellation Cognac. It symbolizes charm, escape and the quiet pleasure of living. It is known in France as the island of superb sandy beaches, whitewashed houses, carefully tended vineyards and charming little fishing harbours.

It is also home to a Bird and Wild Life Sanctuary as well as protected oyster beds. The Ile de Ré really is one of the most perfect spots for a holiday in France. Famed for its charm and unspoiled countryside it is fast becoming a rival for the well-known and chic resort of St Tropez and Nice.

This wonderfully relaxing and laid-back spot is the discreet and chic holiday destination for French film stars, prime ministers and the Parisian elite. Living on Ile de Ré means living in a privileged universe where one can appreciate a certain "art de vivre".

Today, it is home to 16, 000 islanders who have chosen to live there year-round and try to keep it an "insular land".

The climate here is good and the island boasts one of the best sunshine records in France, its coast basks in 2,500 hours of annual sunshine, while warm ocean breezes bring mild springs and autumns.

In September the tide continues to rise and ebb twice a day. Those who have the bright idea to visit out of the season never regret their decision: island life goes on with shops and services remaining open all year round. In autumn, visitors can admire golden sun-drenched vineyards and witness the grape harvest first-hand. In winter, the beaches empty to make way for horses and walkers wrapped up warmly against the wind. At Christmas, the oysters taste even better when they come directly from the nearby oyster beds. In spring the air is still cool when the first chairs reappear outside the cafés. Ré is really an island of the four seasons.