Église Saint-Étienne d'Ars-en-Ré

The église Saint-Étienne d'Ars-en-Ré is a Gothic church featuring a distinctive 40-meter tall bell tower striped in black and white, standing out against the flat island landscape. The building extends approximately 50 meters in length with a central nave reaching about 8.30 meters in height.

The structure originated in the 6th century as a rectangular priory and was later transformed through Gothic renovations in the 12th and 15th centuries. It was classified as a French historical monument in 1903, officially protecting its heritage status.

The church serves as a community gathering place and reflects the spiritual life of the island's residents. Its distinctive black and white striped bell tower has become a landmark that both visitors and locals recognize instantly.

The building is open to visitors year-round and offers free access to view the Gothic architecture inside. It sits centrally in the village and is easily reached on foot, making it a convenient stop while exploring the island.

The church houses three named bells - Françoise, Marie-Victoire, and Louise - that have accompanied village life for generations. The bell tower is so distinctive that sailors historically used it as a navigation aid visible from as far as 20 kilometers away.