Rivedoux , Ile de Re, Charente Maritime

Description:

Geography and Transport

Rivedoux Plage is the first town the Ile de Re after crossing the 3km toll bridge from La Rochelle (cost from 9 euro to 16.50 return).   The commune covers an area of 4.52km².  Ile de Re can still be reached by boat, with the company Inter-Iles from the old port in La Rochelle, and also from a new facility (2008) at La Tranche Sur Mer (Vendee).  Timetables can vary in both days and times of travel depending on the season.  The D735 is the main road running through the island.  From La Rochelle there are motorways towards Niort (N11) and Rochefort (N137).  There is no rail link from the island, but La Rochelle does provide access to both regional rail (TER) and the TGV, which links with Paris (Montparnasse) in a shade over 3 hours.  The nearest airport is La Rochelle, and this offers flights to a variety of UK destinations with the major budget carriers.
See also:  Ste Marie de Re, La Flotte en Re

Climate

The climate here is mild courtesy of the position of the town on the Atlantic coast.  This has the effect of keeping summer temperatures warm (but not excessively hot) whilst keeping winters mild.  Average summer temperatures are between 22C and 24C (14C to 17C night), and in winter this drops to 9C to 10C (4C to 5C night).  Spring and Autumn can be warm with May averaging 19C (12C), and September 22C (14C).  Wettest months are Oct and Nov with 65mm and 62mm respectively, and the driest months are June and Aug with 24mm and 29mm respectively.  This part of Charente Maritime receives over 2000 hours of sunshine per year.

Tourism

Besides being a seaside town with leisure activities, Rivedoux Plage is also home to a number of oyster farms.  There are two fine sandy beaches here, where water sports such as kite-surfing, jet-ski, sailing and windsurfing are on offer.  The port and promenade offer views of the Breton Strait (Pertuis Breton), and there is a lighthouse to visit Le Phare de Chauveau.  Nearby is Le Marais de Defend, a stretch of natural space where you can see a number of species of migrating birds.  

In terms of events, in June there is a swim from La Rochelle to Re which can be observed from the bridge, in July Rivedoux hosts a Jazz Festival, and in August there is a 2 day Oyster Festival, with tasting, evening entertainments and fireworks.

Economy

The town is part of the La Rochelle economic zone which has an unemployment rate of 9.8%, compared against the regional rate of 8.6% and the national rate of 9.1% (INSEE 2006). 

Facilities

Riverdoux plage has most amenities you would expect from a town of its size, including a supermarket and restaurants

Education

Riverdoux Plage has a Nursery/Primary school, the nearest secondary school is at St Martin (11km).  College level education (Lycee) is available at La Rochelle.

Key Stats

49.9% of homes here are main homes, with 46.7% of properties are classed as second homes.  There are more people aged 60 or over than the national average (29.8% vs 21.3%), and the number of retired people is also higher (27.5% vs 18.2%).  19.5% of the local population are under 19 years of age.  There are fewer males than females resident here (49.9% vs 50.1%).  Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit the Ile de Re during peak times, but the population of the whole island is normally around 16,500.

Attractions and places to visit on Ile de Re

Key Facilities and Services: