On Mondays in May, June and September, in small groups (8 people max.), our driver accompanies you along the route, telling you the secrets of the destination and offering you special meetings with local producers and enthusiasts.
Includes
- Minibus transport
- Accompanying driver
- Guided walk through the typical village of Ars-en-Ré
- Visit to a salt marsh
- Visit to a Cognac and Pineau des Charentes cellar
- Tasting of Cognacs and Pineaux des Charentes
- Lunch at Saint-Martin: special Ocean Van menu with choice of 3 starters, 3 main courses, 1 gourmet coffee/tea, 1 glass of wine. --> Please let us know if you have any allergies. (ot.accueil@larochelle-tourisme-evenements.com)
- View of the island from the top of Saint-Martin's observatory bell tower
- Local guide: tours in French (English translation by driver-accompanist available on request).
- Schedule: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Day program:
9am: Departure from La Rochelle Tourist Office
(Meet 15 minutes before)
9:50 am: Start the day with a guided tour of Ars-en-Ré, through the village, its church with its black-and-white bell tower, its port and its charming houses typical of the Ile de Ré.
11:00 am: Head for the village of La Couarde and a salt marsh to learn all about the famous Ile de Ré salt. From basin to basin, you'll gain a better understanding of the water's journey and the work of the salt workers.
12:30 p.m.: Then treat yourself to a meal of resolutely marine flavors in Saint Martin, the capital of the Retais --> Please let us know if you have any allergies. (ot.accueil@larochelle-tourisme-evenements.com)
After lunch, you'll head for the church of Saint-Martin and its observatory bell tower (117 steps high), offering an exceptional view of the whole island, its coastline and the Phare des Baleines...
3:40pm: End this wonderful day with an immersion in the world of Retais spirits. Discover how Cognacs and Pineaux des Charentes are made, with a guided tour of the distillery and cellars, and a comparative tasting of 2 pineaux*.
6:00 pm: Return to La Rochelle Tourist Office.
* Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, consume in moderation.
From 01/05 to 30/06/2024, every Monday between 9 am and 6 pm.
From 01/09 to 30/09/2024, every Monday between 9 am and 6 pm.
www.larochelleoceanvan.com
05 46 41 14 68
From May to September, the La Rochelle Tourist Office is offering a programme of 6 turnkey excursions in an electric van, whether you're travelling alone, as a couple or with friends. Comfortably installed in a shared vehicle (8 seats) with a private chauffeur-accompanier, set off in complete tranquillity to discover our various exclusive routes! Let yourself be guided for a day or half-day around the Ile-de-Ré, Marais Poitevin, Rochefort and Brouage, the Vendée and the nuggets of the Rochel area. An ideal offer for visitors looking for transport and guidance around La Rochelle.