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.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Phare des Baleines
5.4 km
Église Saint-Étienne d'Ars-en-Ré
21 m
Réserve naturelle nationale de Lilleau des Niges
2.7 km
Écomusée du Marais Salant
4.7 km
Loix tide mill
6 kmSaint Catherine Church of Loix
6 km
Maison du Fier
3.8 kmCouvent des Sœurs de la Sagesse
6.2 km
Manoir d'Ars-en-Ré
54 m
Raffinerie à sel d'Ars-en-Ré
329 m
Camping Île de Ré
4.9 km
Plage du Petit Bec
5.2 km
Plage de Trousse Chemise
4.1 km
La Ferme des Baleines
3.7 km
Église Saint-Clément de Saint-Clément-des-Baleines
3.2 km
Plage de la Conche des Baleines
4.7 km
Vieux Phare des Baleines
5.4 km
Kora-Karola Battery
1.8 km
Plage Gros Jonc
5.3 km
Church of the Portes-en-Ré
4.9 km
Golf de Trousse-Chemise
3.5 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-Flux-et-des-Reflux des Portes-en-Ré
5.1 km
Marais du Fier d'Ars
4 km
Plage du Grand Marchais
5.7 km
Plage de l'Anse du Fourneau
4.5 km
Plage de la Loge
5 km
Plage du Canot de Sauvetage
4.8 km
Maison-Phare de Trousse-Chemise
3.9 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes