Gravel Tour de L'Ile de Ré - Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré 2026

The Gravel Tour de L'Ile de Ré begins in Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré, outside the Moulin de Bellerre, with cyclists departing at 8 AM on an October Sunday. This gravel cycling event, organized by the Vélo club de l'île de Ré, offers two routes: a long ride exceeding 90 km and a shorter 21 km option. The event has a small, local atmosphere with 95 participants, many traveling from La Rochelle, Nantes, and neighboring communities. Early departures and light rain are typical conditions. The longer route crosses the northern part of Ile de Ré, reaching the Lilleau des Niges nature reserve, while the shorter route remains in the island's southern region. The start utilized the courtyard of the L'aile de Ré restaurant, and volunteers managed road crossings for rider safety. The inaugural edition also supported a charitable cause, with contributions directed to Octobre rose. Local sponsors included Groupama, L'Huître du saunier, Les Bières de Ré, Biocoop, Intermarché, the cave coopérative, Optimum, and Ré à Vélo.