Ars-en-Ré, Coastal village in Île de Ré, France.
Ars-en-Ré is a harbor village on Île de Ré with approximately 250 boat berths in a tidal basin connected to the sea through a channel. The settlement sits among salt marshes and is protected by a lock system that manages water levels.
The village developed as a trading port and later became a center for salt production, shaping its prosperity over centuries. The Church of Saint-Étienne with its distinctive black and white spire dates to the 12th century and once guided sailors navigating the coast.
Salt production has shaped daily life here for generations, with workers tending flat ponds using methods passed down through families. The white and gray salt mounds visible across the marshes give the landscape its distinctive character.
The village is best explored on foot or by bicycle, as narrow streets and pathways are designed for walking. Parking is available at the village edge, and most shops and restaurants sit within walking distance of the harbor.
The adjacent Lilleau des Niges nature reserve protects a wetland habitat where rare bird species can be regularly spotted. This reserve demonstrates how salt marshes support diverse wildlife and hold ecological value beyond their economic importance.
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