Île de Ré, Atlantic island in Charente-Maritime, France.
Île de Ré is an Atlantic island off the coast of Charente-Maritime, stretching about 30 kilometers (19 miles) and connected to the mainland by a bridge. Ten small villages sit scattered among sandy beaches, salt ponds, and low pine woods that mark the flat terrain.
The island belonged to English holdings in France during medieval times before becoming French in the 17th century. Vauban built the fortress at Saint-Martin-de-Ré to defend the harbor from attacks by sea.
Salt harvesters still work the marshes using wooden tools unchanged for generations, raking crystals by hand under the summer sun. The white walls and green shutters seen across the island follow a building style that reflects coastal light and keeps interiors cool during warm months.
A network of over 100 kilometers (62 miles) of cycling paths links all the villages, often running beside salt marshes and beaches. Most routes are flat and easy for families with children, especially outside peak summer months.
Poitou donkeys wear striped trousers on their legs to protect them from bites while hauling loads through the damp salt flats. The animals were once used to carry barrels of salt and now serve as a symbol of the island.
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La Rochelle and its surroundings offer families a range of activities along the French Atlantic coast. The city itself holds several attractions, including the aquarium with over 12,000 marine animals, medieval towers at the Old Port, and various museums such as the Maritime Museum and the New World...
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...
Phare des Baleines
12.2 km
Citadel of Saint-Martin-de-Ré
4.5 km
Abbaye Notre-Dame-de-Ré
9.1 km
Port de Saint-Martin-de-Ré
3.9 km
Église Saint-Étienne d'Ars-en-Ré
7.7 km
Port de la Flotte
7.3 km
Église Saint-Martin de Saint-Martin-de-Ré
3.8 km
Fort de La Prée
10.1 km
Maison centrale de Saint-Martin-de-Ré
4.3 km
Réserve naturelle nationale de Lilleau des Niges
7.7 km
Ernest Cognacq Museum
4 km
Sablanceau and Redoute of Rivedoux
12.9 km
Marché médiéval
7.1 km
Église Sainte-Catherine
6.9 km
Écomusée du Marais Salant
3.9 km
City walls of Saint-Martin-de-Ré
3.8 km
Loix tide mill
2.5 kmGrignon
9.5 km
Église de Sainte-Marie-de-Ré
9.9 km
Marché Ouvert de Bois Plage
2.5 km
Temple protestant de Saint-Martin-de-Ré
3.8 km
Maison de la Vinatrie
3.6 km
Plage de Montamer
8.2 km
Maison du Fier
8.1 kmCouvent des Sœurs de la Sagesse
3.1 km
Hôtel des Cadets
3.7 km
Manoir d'Ars-en-Ré
7.7 km
Loix & Soap
3.3 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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