Learn How to Pronounce Île de Ré | YouPronounce.it
How to Pronounce Île de Ré
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Meaning and Context
Île de Ré is a captivating island situated in the Bay of Biscay, off the western coast of France near La Rochelle in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Often called the "White Island" for its luminous limestone houses and sun-drenched landscapes, it is a premier French vacation destination renowned for its pristine sandy beaches, meticulously preserved salt marshes, and charming, bicycle-friendly villages like Saint-Martin-de-Ré, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its 17th-century fortifications. Connected to the mainland by an elegant, 3-kilometer bridge completed in 1988, the island offers a blend of relaxed coastal tourism, rich historical heritage, and a renowned local production of fleur de sel sea salt. Its mild microclimate, extensive network of cycling paths, and sophisticated yet understated ambiance make it a favored holiday spot for both French and international visitors seeking a tranquil escape on the Atlantic coast.
Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings
The primary spelling is Île de Ré, which includes the circumflex accent on the "I" and the acute accent on the "E". In contexts where diacritics are unavailable, it is often written as "Ile de Re", though this is considered a technical misspelling. Common typos and errors include omitting the accents entirely ("Ile de Re"), misspelling the island's name as "Île de Rée" (adding an unnecessary extra 'e'), or confusing it with similar-sounding locations like "Île de Rhé" (incorrectly using an 'h'). In English, it is sometimes loosely translated as "Isle of Ré" or "Ré Island," but the French name is universally recognized and most commonly used in travel and geographical literature.
Example Sentences
After crossing the Pont de Ré, we spent a week cycling along the island's dedicated paths, exploring from the bustling port of Saint-Martin-de-Ré to the tranquil pine forests.
Many visitors are drawn to the Île de Ré not only for its beaches but also to purchase authentic fleur de sel directly from the local sauniers in the northern marshes.
The decision to rent a villa on the Île de Ré for the summer was inspired by its reputation for having more sunshine hours than most of the Atlantic coast.
While the island is chic, the atmosphere remains refreshingly unpretentious, focused on simple pleasures like oyster tasting and sunset strolls.
Its strategic importance in maritime history is still evident in the Vauban fortifications that encircle Saint-Martin-de-Ré.
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