Does anyone have an opinion as to which is the nicer of the two islands? I only know St Martin on the Ile de re and wonder if I should be looking elsewhere...

They couldn't be more different, despite their proximity. Ile de Ré is very upscale, with whitewashed houses, bougainvillea, charming little ports with expensive yachts, fancy shops, well-dressed clientele in the restos and bars - lots of high-end real estate.

Ile d'Oléron seems piss-poor and overlooked by comparison. The towns have a forgotten air about them, the housing is dull, there are wild, open spaces all over. Still, there's an old world charm about it.

I like them both, and Ile d'Oléron is certainly easier on the pocketbook. The beaches are great on both. Getting out to and in from Ile d'Oléron in high season can be a big pain - huge backups on the bridge.

Thanks alot. I'm glad we chose Ile de Re to start with; now that we know that we like the area, we can save a little and try the Oleron.

avoid August, it will be crowded

Far fewer restrictions on oleron as regards building, so a lot more charmless properties there. Ré is lovely but more expensive, as others have mentioned. Both islands are incredibly crowded in summer. I love the Ile de Ré though.

I agree with what St Cirq wrote, though, hani, I found Oleron less crowded.

Yes Cigale, now I think about it maybe Oléron is less crowded than Ré. It's been a couple of years since i last went there. We go to the Ile de Ré every year though. And it is always heaving!