Les Portes-en-Ré, Coastal commune on Ré Island, Charente-Maritime, France
Les Portes-en-Ré is a small village at the northern tip of Ré Island with whitewashed houses and landscapes shaped by marshes and wetlands. The settlement sits beside wide sandy beaches and natural areas along the Atlantic coast.
The village developed as a fishing settlement in this exposed coastal location and was later shaped by the island's economy. The name refers to the natural passages and waterway entrances that characterize the northern shore.
The streets fill with traditional hollyhock flowers in summer, decorating the whitewashed houses and giving the village its recognizable look.
The place is easily reached by bicycle or car across a bridge from the main island, with just a few kilometers to the center. Parking is usually available, especially outside the peak season.
The village hosts a well-known sailing center for water sports enthusiasts, making it a popular spot for windsurfers and sailors. These activities reveal the strong winds and waves that shape life here.
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