Île de Ré, Atlantic island in Charente-Maritime, France.
This 30-kilometer-long island features fine sandy beaches, salt marshes, and ten villages with white houses adorned with green shutters.
The fortifications of Saint-Martin-de-Ré, built by Vauban in the 17th century, protected the island from English invasions and are now UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Salt producers maintain the thousand-year-old tradition of harvesting in the salt marshes, using ancestral techniques of natural crystallization.
A network of 100 kilometers of cycling paths connects the different villages of the island, allowing visitors to explore the territory without cars.
The Poitou donkeys wear striped pants to protect their legs from mosquitoes while working in the salt marshes.
Location: Ars-en-Ré
Location: Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré
Location: La Couarde-sur-Mer
Location: La Flotte
Location: Loix
Location: Les Portes-en-Ré
Location: Rivedoux-Plage
Location: Saint-Clément-des-Baleines
Location: Saint-Martin-de-Ré
Location: Sainte-Marie-de-Ré
Capital city: Saint-Martin-de-Ré
Elevation above the sea: 20 m
Part of: archipel charentais
Address: Île de Ré, France
Website: http://iledere.com
GPS coordinates: 46.20000,-1.41667
Latest update: May 27, 2025 20:09
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 Museum. Visitors can walk through the historic center with its Grosse Horloge and Saint-Louis Cathedral or explore the beaches at La Concurrence and Minimes. Port des Minimes provides access to boat trips, while parks like Charruyer Park offer green spaces for relaxation. The region extends to the offshore islands of Île de Ré and Île d'Oléron with their beaches and the Phare des Baleines lighthouse. Inland, attractions include La Palmyre Zoo with over 1,600 animals, Zoodyssée in Chizé, and Court d'Aron floral park in Saint-Cyr-en-Talmondais. History enthusiasts can visit the Corderie Royale and naval museum in Rochefort, while Fort Boyard stands as a recognizable landmark off the coast. Natural areas like Pierre Brune park near Mervent and the Rompsay Canal round out the offerings with walking trails and water activities.
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
12.2 km
Citadel of Saint-Martin-de-Ré
4.5 km
Abbaye Notre-Dame-de-Ré
9.1 km
Église Saint-Étienne d'Ars-en-Ré
7.7 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 km
Saint Catherine Church of Loix
3.3 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 km
Couvent des Sœurs de la Sagesse
3.1 km
Hôtel des Cadets
3.7 km
Manoir d'Ars-en-Ré
7.7 km
Raffinerie à sel d'Ars-en-Ré
7.6 km
Plage du Petit Sergent
2.3 km
Demeure
4 kmReviews
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