Plage de Trousse Chemise, Sandy beach in Les Portes-en-Ré, France
Plage de Trousse Chemise is a sand beach on the northern edge of Île de Ré bordered by pine forest that reaches down to the Atlantic waters. The shoreline features designated swimming areas and opens onto wide sandy flats that shift with the tides.
The beach gained national attention in 1962 when Charles Aznavour recorded a song referencing its distinctive forest-lined location. This cultural moment helped establish the beach as a recognized destination beyond the local area.
The name 'Trousse Chemise' comes from a local custom where people would hoist their shirts while crossing the Loix ford at low tide to avoid getting them wet. This story remains part of how locals describe the beach today.
The beach has parking areas set within the forest, wheelchair-accessible pathways, shower facilities, and rentals for water sports equipment. Check tide times before your visit, as water levels and walkable areas change significantly throughout the day.
The beach experiences powerful currents called 'Le Mao' that create natural water movements along the shoreline during rising tides. These tidal flows set it apart from other island beaches and shape how the sand and water interact throughout the day.
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