L'ile de Ré visit guide

Discover the historical and cultural jewels of the Ile de Ré

The island of Ré is a natural setting with a rich historical and cultural heritage. As you explore the island, you'll discover monuments and museums that tell the story of its exceptional history and heritage.

Explore these must-sees during your visit:

Vauban's fortifications at Saint-Martin-de-Ré

The historic capital of Saint-Martin-de-Ré is renowned for the imposing fortifications built by Vauban in the 17th century, during the reign of Louis XIV, to defend the town and its port from English invasion. These fortifications are the pride of the island, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008.

Admire the ramparts, bastions, monumental gates, moat and glacis that encircle the town. Don't miss the citadel, now used as a prison, and the observatory bell tower of the church, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the town and beyond.

The Whale Lighthouse: a giant facing the ocean

Located on the western tip of the island, in the the municipality of Saint-Clément-des-Baleines, the Whale Lighthouse takes its name from the many whales that once beached here. It is the successor to the old lighthouse built by Vauban in 1682, just a few metres away.

Built between 1849 and 1854, this lighthouse is one of the highest in France. At 57 metres high and with 257 steps, it offers an impressive view of the Ile de Ré and the ocean, complemented by a museum dedicated to the history of lighthouses and navigation. It is undoubtedly one of charente maritime's most beautiful lighthouses.

The charming Abbaye des Châteliers

This former Cistercian abbey, founded in 1156 by the monks of Pontigny, is located in La Flotte-en-Ré, in the eastern part of the island. It was the cradle of the island's wine and salt production, despite the destruction caused by the Wars of Religion and English invasions.

Today, all that remains are majestic ruins, listed as a historic monument in 1990. A visit to the remains, including the abbey church, cloister, refectory and monastic cells, is a must.

The Ars-en-Ré observatory bell tower

Ars-en-Réwith its iconic white steeple topped by a black spire, stands out in the island's landscape. Part of the 15th-century Saint-Étienne church, listed as a historic monument, the steeple serves as a landmark for sailors.

After climbing the 117 steps, you'll be rewarded with an exceptional view of the village, the port, the salt marshes and, of course, the Ile de Ré.

The Musée Ernest Cognacq: a plunge into the history of the Rennes region

Located in Saint-Martin-de-Ré, Ernest Cognacq Museumestablished in the former 15th-century Hôtel de Clerjotte, offers a window on art and history. It takes its name from Ernest Cognacq, the founder of La Samaritaine, a Parisian department store and native of the island of Ré, who bequeathed his personal collection to the museum. Through its permanent collections, this cultural institution traces the historical development of the island of Ré, from its earliest inhabitants to the present day. It also highlights Vauban's fortifications, maritime history, local ceramics and the plastic arts through its various themed rooms.

In addition to its permanent exhibition, the museum regularly enriches its offering with a variety of temporary exhibitions and cultural events, inviting discovery and learning.

In the heart of the Retais countryside: between land and sea

Discover the island of Ré, a true natural gem offering a mosaic of landscapes as diverse as they are unspoilt. Whether your passion is fauna, flora, the ocean or dry land, this island has unrivalled wonders in store for you. Explore some of the must-see sites:

The Lilleau des Niges National Nature Reserve: an area of biodiversity

Located in the north of the Ile de Ré, the Réserve Naturelle Nationale de Lilleau des Niges covers 341 hectares, with 121 hectares designated as a nature reserve since 1980. This protected area is home to salt marshes and mudflats, essential for many bird species, including migratory birds.

With more than 300 species of birds, including endangered species such as the elegant avocet and the black-throated bluebird, the reserve is a sanctuary for wildlife. Mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects and plants typical of saline environments can also be found here. Guided tours are available to discover the richness of this natural and cultural heritage.

The salt marshes: a landscape between tradition and nature

Essential to the heritage of the Ile de Ré, the salt marshes bear witness to the island's former vocation as a salt producer. A hundred or so salt workers still perpetuate the traditional art of harvesting sea salt, inherited from the Middle Ages.

The marsh landscape is made up of three parts: the vasais, the metieres and the marsh field, where seawater evaporates until the salt crystallizes. This natural spectacle varies in color and appearance according to the season and the light. The local flora and fauna are just as unique. A guided tour by a salt-maker gives you an insight into this ancestral craft and its products.

The island's beaches: from wild stretches to tranquil coves

With over 60 km of beaches, the Ile de Ré is a delight for swimmers, surfers, fishermen and walkers. The beaches range from large stretches of fine sand to more secret coves. The southern beaches, such as Gros Jonc and Les Prises, promise entertainment and leisure, while the north offers wilder, more peaceful corners, such as Conche des Baleines or Trousse Chemise. Here you'll find crystal-clear waters and unspoilt nature. Charente Maritime abounds beautiful sandy beaches, such as those at Royan.

A bike ride on the cycle paths: discover a variety of landscapes

The island of Ré lends itself wonderfully to exploration by bikewith its 138 km of cycle paths criss-crossing the coastline, vineyards and alleyways. It's the perfect opportunity to admire the many faces of the island and visit its picturesque villages, markets, ports, churches and museums. Whatever your pace, the cycle paths of the Ile de Ré invite you to adventure.

Immersion in local life: activities and traditions

Explore the island of Ré far beyond its natural landscapes and relaxation areas, by immersing yourself in its rich culture and precious heritage. To experience the island of Ré as its inhabitants do, is to be open to the activities and traditions that forge its unique identity.. Discover authentic experiences for real immersion :

Visit local markets: a festival of flavours

An ideal meeting place for food lovers and the curious, the local markets in every village on the island offer a multitude of fresh, quality products straight from the Rétais terroir. Whether you're looking for seasonal fruit and vegetables, fish and seafood, cheeses, meats, breads, cakes, jams, wines, salt, spices, flowers... there's something to suit every taste and budget.

It's also an ideal opportunity to meet local producers and taste the island's specialities, such as oysters from the Ile de Ré, Ré potatoes, salted butter caramel, Ré saffron and the famous jams from the bell tower.

Producer tastings: salt, oysters and local wines

For a more in-depth exploration of the region's gastronomic treasures, visit local farms. Producers welcome you to share the secrets of their trade and their products. Discover the magic of the salt marshes and the subtle steps involved in harvesting sea salt, from coarse salt to fleur de sel. Enjoy salt in all its forms, including by-products such as donkey's milk soaps.

The oyster beds offer a unique opportunity to understand oyster farmers' passion for the sea and its delights, with an oyster tasting accompanied by a local white wine. Also visit the island's vineyards for an introduction to the grape varieties and winemaking methods that characterize the island's wines, including whites, rosés, reds and spirits such as pineau des Charentes or cognac.

Donkeys in knickers": an unusual and endearing tradition

Adored for their original tradition dating back to the 19th century, the "donkeys in breeches" of the Ile de Ré represent a charming part of its history. Once dressed in canvas breeches to protect themselves from insects in the marshes, these donkeys are now symbols of the island and offer rides for children from the Parc de la Barbette in Saint-Martin de Ré. And don't miss the Baudet du Poitou conservatory, a rare and ancient breed of donkey, on the outskirts of the village of Saint-Martin de Ré. Loix.

If you're a fan of animals, a family getaway to La Rochelle to visit the famous aquarium would be a good idea.

Atelier Quillet: testimony to the know-how of the Retais

The Atelier Quillet in Loix embodies the cultural heritage and ancestral know-how of the Ile de Ré, specializing in the conservation, restoration and binding of ancient documents. Recognized as a "Living Heritage Company", the workshop works with prestigious institutions such as the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, the Senate and the Louvre Museum. Guided tours of the workshop are available to admire the restoration, binding, gilding or marbling techniques used, observe the conservation machines and tools, and discover the restored works of art. Atelier Quillet also has a bookshop stocked with antique books, posters, maps and engravings.

Seasonal experiences: from salt picking to sailing

The Ile de Ré is a great place to enjoy unique seasonal activities, offering a real insight into the daily lives of the local people and the local treasures. Take part in the traditional salt harvest by joining a saunier in the heart of the salt marshes: an opportunity to learn the techniques and movements involved in harvesting this precious marine condiment.

Sailing is also on offer: climb aboard one of the region's iconic boats, such as a sardine boat or a traditional sailing ship, to explore the island's magnificent scenery from the sea.

It's also the perfect opportunity to try your hand at fishing on foot, guided by an expert, in search of shellfish, crustaceans or seaweed along the foreshore. Finally, let yourself be seduced by a bike ride along the many cycle paths that criss-cross the island, offering varied views of the coastline, vineyards, narrow streets and salt marshes.

Last but not least, the island of Ré is a good starting point for visit La Rochelle and its famous towers.

They are located on the old portIts proximity to the wooden town makes it a great destination for a getaway from the Ile de Ré.

Conclusion

The Ile de Ré is an idyllic vacation destination in FranceIt's a place where the simple pleasures of life take center stage. It's a place where the simple pleasures of life take pride of place: you can enjoy the blue sea, the warmth of the sun, the caress of the wind and the diversity of landscapes. The island also invites you to immerse yourself in its past, to be enriched by its culture, heritage and traditions, which together weave the fabric of its unique charm and undeniable authenticity.

Whatever your aspirations - relaxation, discovery, sporting activities or gastronomic pleasures - the island of Ré will satisfy all your desires with its richness and diversity. So don't hesitate plan your vacation on the Ile de Ré now! It's a decision you won't regret.

FAQ

What's the most beautiful part of the Ile de Ré?

The beauty of the Ile de Ré is a matter of personal taste, but generally speaking, its fine sandy beaches and salt marshes captivate visitors the most. The beaches are ideal for swimming, water sports and walking. As for the salt marshes, they offer a unique natural spectacle, thanks to their rich biodiversity. The village of Les Portes-en-Ré is often referred to as the most charming and attractive on the island.

How to visit the island of Ré?

There are many ways to explore the Ile de Ré: - Cycling along the island's many cycle paths offers an immersive experience of the diversity of the landscape. - Discover picturesque villages, beaches, salt marshes, the Baleines lighthouse, the Prée fort and the Châteliers abbey, among many other cultural and natural wonders.

What's the prettiest village on the Ile de Ré?

Choosing the prettiest village on the Ile de Ré is a matter of personal preference. However, Ars-en-Ré frequently emerges as a favorite, reputed to be one of the most beautiful villages on the island and even in France. This charming village, with its port, its church with its emblematic black and white bell tower, its traditional white houses with green shutters, as well as its salt marshes and nature reserve, has a lot to offer.

Where to go on the Ile de Ré?

The options for walks on the Ile de Ré are varied and depend on your interests: - For nature lovers, the Lilleau des Niges national nature reserve is a must. This protected site is home to exceptional flora and fauna. The Baleines lighthouse, meanwhile, offers an impressive view of the ocean and marshes. - If you're passionate about heritage and culture, the observatory bell tower of Saint-Martin church in Saint-Martin-de-Ré is a must-see for its fascinating history. The fortifications and the "donkeys in knickers" park in Saint-Martin-de-Ré, designed by Vauban and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are also major sites of interest.