Plage du Grand Marchais

Plage du Grand Marchais is a beach on Île de Ré composed of sandy areas mixed with rocky sections along the coast. The shoreline sits near the Lilleau des Niges Natural Reserve, offering two distinct landscapes within a short stretch.

The location served as a gathering place for local fishermen harvesting shellfish from the 18th century onward. The craft of shellfish harvesting has shaped the economic and social history of this coastal region ever since.

Visitors can observe the local practice of gathering shellfish during low tide, which shapes the daily rhythm of island life. This traditional knowledge continues to be passed within the community and remains central to local identity.

The location has two access points, with the Petit Marchais route offering free parking and shower facilities. Visitors should check tide times, as the beach landscape changes significantly depending on water levels.

The beach transforms dramatically between high and low tide, revealing extensive rocky areas when water levels drop. This dual nature makes it a shifting landscape where the same stretch looks entirely different depending on the tide.