From La Rochelle, it only takes a few minutes to reach Île de Ré via the long bridge connecting the island to the mainland. The relatively high toll (€8 in the low season and €16 in the high season) is actually an environmental tax used, among other things, to fund a team of ten full-time environmental wardens. The island has strict regulations when it comes to protecting the environment and its unique ecosystem. Even building regulations are pretty strict: no high-rise buildings are allowed, and there is a palette of just 12 approved colors for painting shutters and other exterior…