Plage du Petit Bec, Surfing beach in Les Portes-en-Ré, France
Plage du Petit Bec is a beach on the northern edge of Île de Ré, featuring fine sand, rocks, and dunes bordered by the Lizay forest. The terrain combines different coastal features that create varied conditions along the shoreline.
The coastline of Île de Ré served as a strategic defense point for France starting in the 17th century with an extensive network of fortifications. This military history shaped how the island's coastal areas developed over centuries.
This beach attracts surfers from the area who gather here regularly, especially when Atlantic swells pick up. The local surfing community has made it a recognized meeting point along the Atlantic coast.
The beach is easily accessed from a parking area via a path and is accessible year-round regardless of season. Visitors should pay attention to tide times, as the sandy, rocky, and dune areas change their character with the water levels.
The beach contains three distinct zones - sandy areas, rocky sections, and dunes - that shift with the tide. This variety makes it a place where conditions change throughout the day, offering different experiences depending on when you visit.
Location: Les Portes-en-Ré
Address: Plage du Petit Bec, 17880 Les Portes-en-Ré, France
GPS coordinates: 46.25417,-1.51960
Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:02
The Île de Ré reveals preserved sites beyond its main destinations. The salt marshes of Loix and the Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve host more than 300 species of migratory birds, while the Baleines Lighthouse offers a view of the Atlantic Ocean. Beaches such as Trousse Chemise and Les Grenettes are characterized by their natural dunes and conditions suitable for water sports. The Fier d'Ars Port maintains its traditional fishing activity with boats and houses with green shutters. The Salt Eco-museum traces the history of salt harvesting and the work of salt workers in the marshes. The Baleines Farm combines agricultural production with shellfish farming near the coast. Villages like Loix offer traditional shops and exhibitions on local customs. These sites reflect the maritime heritage and traditions shaping the island's identity for generations.
Phare des Baleines
3.4 km
Église Saint-Étienne d'Ars-en-Ré
5.2 km
Phare des Baleineaux
5.3 km
Réserve naturelle nationale de Lilleau des Niges
2.7 km
Écomusée du Marais Salant
6 km
Loix tide mill
7.5 km
Saint Catherine Church of Loix
6.9 km
Maison du Fier
1.9 km
Couvent des Sœurs de la Sagesse
7.1 km
Manoir d'Ars-en-Ré
5.2 km
Raffinerie à sel d'Ars-en-Ré
4.9 km
Pointe du Grouin
8.8 km
Plage de Trousse Chemise
4.2 km
La Ferme des Baleines
1.6 km
Église Saint-Clément de Saint-Clément-des-Baleines
3.3 km
Plage de la Conche des Baleines
1.8 km
Vieux Phare des Baleines
3.4 km
Fort de Grouin
8.7 km
Kora-Karola Battery
4.1 km
Plage Gros Jonc
2.4 km
Church of the Portes-en-Ré
1.6 km
Golf de Trousse-Chemise
3.3 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-Flux-et-des-Reflux des Portes-en-Ré
2.7 km
Marais du Fier d'Ars
4.9 km
Plage du Grand Marchais
1.8 km
Plage de l'Anse du Fourneau
3.7 km
Plage de la Loge
3.1 km
Maison-Phare de Trousse-Chemise
3.7 kmReviews
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