Ile de Ré Towns and Villages in Saint-Martin-de-Ré

The Isle of Ré is a pearl of Charente-Maritime, located off the coast of La Rochelle. Connected to the mainland by a toll bridge nearly 3 kilometers long, it is a popular destination for its gentle way of life, its varied landscapes and its authentic atmosphere.

Geography and Diverse Landscapes

The island of Ré stretches over about thirty kilometers in length and about 5 kilometers in width at most. Its territory is made up of ten charming villages, each with its own distinct character. Originally, the island was made up of several islets (such as Ars, Loix, or Saint-Martin) which were gradually joined together by alluvium and human intervention, notably for the creation of salt marshes.

The Rétais landscape is very diverse:

• Salt marshes: they occupy a significant part of the west of the island, offering unique panoramas and testifying to ancestral know-how. The Salt Marsh Ecomuseum in Loix allows you to understand this activity.
• Beaches and dunes: the island is lined with numerous fine sandy beaches, ideal for swimming and water sports. The beaches on the south coast (Rivedoux, Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, La Couarde, Le Bois-Plage) are more family-oriented, while the north coast, particularly towards Saint-Clément-des-Baleines and Les Portes-en-Ré, is wilder.
• Pine forests and vineyards: there are also wooded areas, such as the Lizay State Forest, and vineyards, notably in Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, producing local wines.
• Marshes and nature reserves: Wetlands such as the Lilleau des Niges National Nature Reserve (at Portes-en-Ré) are paradises for observing migratory birds.

Charming Villages and Historical Heritage

Each village on the Île de Ré has its own identity and attractions:

• Saint-Martin-de-Ré : the historic and emblematic capital of the island, its picturesque port is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its Vauban fortifications. It is also home to the Ernest Cognacq Museum.
• Ars-en-Ré : known for its distinctive black and white bell tower, which once served as a landmark for sailors, and its oyster port. The village is listed among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France".
• La Flotte-en-Ré : charming fishing port with a medieval market, the Châteliers Abbey (remains of a 12th century Cistercian monastery) and Fort La Prée.
• Loix : a peninsula within the island, famous for its salt marshes and its eco-museum.
• Saint-Clément-des-Baleines: home to the majestic Phare des Baleines, which can be climbed for a breathtaking panoramic view of the island and the ocean. There is also a museum dedicated to the history of lighthouses.
• Sainte-Marie-de-Ré : wine-growing village with its narrow streets and beaches.
• Rivedoux-Plage: first village after the bridge, known for its beaches and oyster farming.

Activities and the Sweetness of Life

The Isle of Ré is a true paradise for outdoor and nature lovers :

• The bicycle is the main mode of transportation on the island. A network of over 110 km of safe cycle paths allows you to travel the entire island, from village to village, through salt marshes, forests, and along the coast.
• The many beaches invite you to relax, swim, but also to practice water sports such as sailing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding or kayaking.
• At low tide, fishing on foot is a very popular activity, especially for discovering the fish locks.
• The island is renowned for its oysters, salt, potatoes (AOC), wines and jams. Local markets are ideal places to discover these flavors.
• The Lilleau des Niges reserve is a prime spot for birdwatching, with observatories allowing you to admire numerous species.