Sunny holidays guaranteed on the Île de Ré : a dream destination

A village with a rich past

La Couarde-sur-Mer, originally a modest hamlet of fishermen and winegrowers, developed over the centuries thanks to its maritime activity and its privileged geographical location. From the Middle Ages, the village was known for its salt marshes, which produced a high-quality salt. This industry contributed to its prosperity and allowed the construction of many remarkable buildings, such as the old Seigneurie des Marais.

In the 16th century, La Couarde-sur-Mer was fortified to protect itself from attacks by the English. The Fort de la Prée, built in 1557, is a vestige of this era. The 19th century marked a turning point in its history with the development of tourism. La Couarde-sur-Mer was transformed into a popular seaside resort, attracting many holidaymakers. Numerous hotels and villas were built to accommodate them. Today, La Couarde-sur-Mer is a dynamic village that has preserved its authentic charm. Its history and heritage can be discovered around the bends of the streets, in its churches and museums.

Taste the local flavors

La Couarde-sur-Mer is not only a charming village and an idyllic seaside destination, it is also a true paradise for gourmets. Let yourself be transported by the authentic flavors and fresh products of the Île de Ré, for an unforgettable culinary journey.

Stroll through the aisles of the lively market of La Couarde-sur-Mer and discover a range of fresh and local products. Admire the bright colors of seasonal fruits and vegetables, breathe in the enticing smell of crispy breads and pastries, and be tempted by local specialties, such as Marennes-Oléron oysters, sardines from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie and sea salt harvested from the salt marshes of the island.

The Île de Ré is renowned for its exceptional quality seafood. Taste freshly caught oysters, savor grilled sardines accompanied by a lemon and parsley sauce, and enjoy noble fish, such as sea bass and sole, prepared with passion by the chefs of local restaurants. And for those with a sweet tooth, La Couarde-sur-Mer offers a variety of irresistible delicacies. Be tempted by the fleur de sel caramels, a traditional island confectionery, savor the delicious pancakes and waffles topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream, and discover the shortbread biscuits and macarons that melt in your mouth.

“So, what are you waiting for? Come and savor the delights of La Couarde-sur-Mer!”

Let yourself be transported by the authentic and peaceful atmosphere of these postcard villages, and discover the hidden treasures of the island.

 Saint-Martin-de-Ré: The historic citadel

Entering the citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you travel back in time. Admire the majestic fortifications built by Vauban, including the famous “Palais des Gouverneurs“. Explore the cobbled streets and discover the stone houses with blue shutters, typical of Rétais architecture. Visit the Ernest Cognacq Museum for a dive into the island’s history and stroll along the lively port to enjoy an ice cream on the terrace facing the pleasure boats. Don’t miss the fish market, an opportunity to taste fresh seafood.

Ars-en-Ré : The village of artisans

This charming village is famous for its artisan market, one of the largest on the island, which is held every day in season. You will find unique and refined products, the result of the know-how of potters, glassblowers, jewelry designers and many others. Explore the flowery streets and discover the Saint-Étienne church, a jewel of Romanesque architecture. Admire its sculpted portal and its black and white bell tower, a true emblem of the island. Take a gourmet break in one of the many crêperies and taste a local specialty made with buckwheat flour.

La Flotte-en-Ré : The village with salt marshes

Located in the heart of the salt marshes, this village offers a unique and fascinating landscape. Visit one of the many ecomuseums to discover the secrets of salt production and observe the salt marshes come to life with the changing seasons. Enjoy a bike ride on the cycle paths and admire the sublime landscapes, where the colors of the marshes, the blue of the ocean and the green of the vines blend. La Flotte-en-Ré is also a gourmet village, with its many restaurants and cafés offering local specialties made with fresh produce. Taste the Marennes-Oléron oysters, enjoy an apple tart from the island or sip a glass of wine from the Rétais vineyards.

This is the idyllic spectacle that awaits you at Conche des Baleines, one of the most beautiful beaches on Île de Ré. Located in Saint-Clément-des-Baleines, this wild and preserved beach is a true haven of peace for vacationers seeking relaxation and nature.

With its 3 kilometers of length, Conche des Baleines offers a generous space to relax in the sun and enjoy the pleasures of the beach. Let yourself be lulled by the sound of the waves, build sandcastles with your children, or bask on your towel while admiring the breathtaking view of the ocean. For the more active, the beach also offers many opportunities for water sports: sailing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, sand yachting, etc. There is something for everyone!

The Phare des Baleines: A historical monument and a breathtaking view

A true emblem of Île de Ré, the Phare des Baleines stands proudly at the end of Conche des Baleines. Built in 1854 according to the plans of the engineer Léonce Reynaud, this 57-meter-high lighthouse is one of the largest in Europe. Its construction required the use of cut stones from the quarries of the island and Charente-Maritime. The lighthouse was put into service in 1855 and was automated in 1989. On a clear day, you can even see Fort Boyard!

For more than a century, the Phare des Baleines was inhabited by lighthouse keepers who ensured its maintenance and operation. They lived at the foot of the lighthouse with their families, in houses built for this purpose. The life of the lighthouse keepers was often harsh and isolated, but it was also punctuated by the ballet of boats and the changing lights of the ocean. Today, the Phare des Baleines is one of the most popular tourist sites on Île de Ré. It is possible to visit the lighthouse and climb its 257 steps to admire the exceptional panoramic view of the island, the ocean, and the surrounding coast.

Conche des Baleines takes its name from the whales that once washed up on its shores. The beach was also an important crossing point for pirates and privateers. Let yourself be told the legends and fascinating stories that have marked this unique place.

Whether you are with family, friends or as a couple, the island transforms into a multifaceted playground, where adventure blends with discovery and relaxation.

The Vélodysée: A cycling path to discover with family or friends

The Vélodyssée is a 1,200-kilometer cycle route that runs along the French Atlantic coast. The 30-kilometer section of the Île de Ré is particularly appreciated by cyclists for its varied landscapes and peaceful atmosphere. Starting from Saint-Martin-de-Ré, you will cross the salt marshes, vineyards, and picturesque villages of the island. You will cycle along the sandy beaches and enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean. The Vélodyssée is an easy route accessible to all, ideal for a family outing or a sporting escapade. Bicycle rentals are available in all villages on the island, allowing you to fully enjoy this unique cycle route. Don’t forget to bring a map, water and sunscreen for a safe and unforgettable ride.

Adrenaline rush guaranteed

For thrill seekers, the Île de Ré transforms into a life-size playground. Multicolored sails fly over the ocean, taming the generous winds and offering a fascinating nautical ballet. Kite-surfers soar above the waves, in perfect symbiosis with the elements. For contemplative souls, hiking offers a peaceful alternative, allowing you to discover the secret paths of the island and its varied landscapes: salt marshes with infinite nuances, vineyards with golden vines, mysterious forests and dunes sculpted by the wind.

To explore the island in a more traditional, but equally sporty way, a horseback ride is an unforgettable experience. Beginner or experienced riders, you will ride along the coastal paths, cross the salt marshes and gallop on the sandy beaches, discovering the sublime landscapes of the island. And for the most daring, kitesurfing is the ultimate activity. Propelled by a wing and towed by a board, kitesurfers fly above the waves, performing spectacular acrobatic figures. A true aerial ballet that defies the laws of gravity. Whether you are looking for thrills, sporting adventures or peaceful discovery, the Île de Ré will satisfy your desires. Let yourself be charmed by its unique atmosphere, its breathtaking landscapes, and its varied activities.

“Don’t wait any longer and come and experience an intense vacation on the Île de Ré!”

They have been exploited since the Middle Ages, and their ancestral know-how has been passed down from generation to generation. Over time, man has shaped this unique landscape, made up of clay basins and locks, where seawater is transformed into salt.

A precious natural treasure

The salt marshes are not only a source of salt, but also a real haven of biodiversity. They are home to exceptional flora and fauna, with rare and endangered species. Salicornia, spartina and seaweed thrive in this saline environment, while migratory birds find refuge and food there. Today, the salt marshes of the Île de Ré continue to be exploited in a traditional way. The salt workers, guardians of this ancestral know-how, work with the rhythm of the seasons and the tides to harvest the salt. Many production sites open their doors to visitors, allowing them to discover the secrets of this art and to taste the different varieties of salt produced on the island.

An unforgettable experience

Several options are available to you to explore the salt marshes of the Île de Ré. You can opt for a guided tour, accompanied by a salt worker who will share their passion and knowledge with you. Footpaths and cycle paths also cross the marshes, allowing you to enjoy a walk-in complete freedom and admire the beauty of the landscapes. Visiting the salt marshes of the Île de Ré is a unique experience that will allow you to discover a precious heritage and ancestral know-how. Let yourself be transported by the beauty of the landscapes, meet the passionate salt workers, and savor the authentic flavors of this exceptional terroir.

As you can see, visiting the salt marshes of the Île de Ré is a unique experience that will allow you to discover a precious heritage and ancestral know-how. Let yourself be transported by the beauty of the landscapes, meet the passionate salt workers, and savor the authentic flavors of this exceptional terroir.