Actor André Dussollier Shares His enduring Affection for Île de Ré
In a recent interview with Southwest magazine, celebrated French actor André Dussollier, 70, revealed his continued fondness for Île de Ré, a French island off the Atlantic coast. He specifically highlighted the appeal of Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, noting its relative tranquility and less-developed character compared to the island’s northern areas. Dussollier emphasized the island’s accessibility, stating that an electric bicycle allows easy exploration of its diverse landscapes and activities.
Dussollier drew a parallel between Île de Ré and Paris, explaining, “The Ile de Ré is as Paris,” suggesting that people often limit themselves to familiar areas within a city or region and shoudl embrace broader exploration. He also praised the island’s unique light, which has historically attracted painters, and its favorable microclimate, adding, “We don’t have to worry about the weather, even if it rains in the morning, the afternoon will be fine.”
The actor recounted cherished memories associated with Île de Ré, including film screenings and previews. He also fondly remembered active vacations with his children, involving cycling, beach football, and tennis. Dussollier playfully shared a recent anecdote about getting lost while cycling and inadvertently causing minor disruption to traffic on the national road.Île de Ré, connected to La Rochelle on the mainland by a 2.9 kilometer bridge, is a popular destination for both French and international tourists, known for its oyster farming, salt marshes, and picturesque villages like Saint-Martin-de-Ré, a UNESCO World Heritage site.