The unavoidable
The bell tower of Ars en Ré
Recognizable by its pointed bell tower and its black spire, the bell tower of Ars en Ré is an emblematic monument of the island of Ré. In the heart of the village of Ars, you will find this pretty little Romanesque church that you can visit. Cyclists lost in the salt marshes can easily find their way thanks to the bell tower visible from far away.
Built at the beginning of the 19th century, the bell tower of Ars en Ré is painted in black and white to serve as a landmark for sailors navigating in the Pertuis. To visit this bell tower and enjoy the superb view on the island of Ré, go to the sunset.
Fortifications of St Martin de Ré
Unique and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fortifications of Saint Martin de Ré are part of the network of major Vauban sites. Built under the reign of Louis XIV by the engineer Vauban, they served as a shelter for the island’s population in case of enemy landing.
These 14 km of ramparts on a semicircle of 1.5 km radius can be visited freely by the whole family throughout the year. Guided tours are also organized to allow you to transform this visit into a fun and pleasant moment for children and adults.
Bell tower and observatory of St Martin en Ré
On the heights of Saint-Martin-de-Ré, discover the bell tower and observatory for a unique panorama on the city. This 14th century church was destroyed several times and then rebuilt. Today, only a few original elements remain, but you can still climb its 117 steps to enjoy the unique view of the whole fortified town of Saint-Martin-en-Ré.
If you also want to see a great view, you can visit the church at night. This way, the lights make it magical and sublime to watch.
The Abbey of Châteliers - La Flotte
Classified as a historical monument, the Abbaye des Châteliers is one of the largest abbeys in central-western France. Even though only vestiges of this abbey remain, because of the English assaults and the wars of religion, it remains impressive and sufficient to fill up with culture, in particular for the amateurs of historical monuments.
You can visit it for free and also opt for a guided tour, which will tell you all the history of the place and its memories. Open all year round and every day, the Abbaye des Châteliers awaits you during your vacations on the island of Ré.
Fort la Prée - La Flotte
The Fort la Prée is a real jewel of military heritage, the dean of fortifications on the island of Ré. Built in 1625, the Fort la Prée is a true witness of the Grand Siècle, which you can visit easily from April to September, or during the All Saints’ Day vacations. You can show your children the wonders of this unique historical monument on a guided tour or on a self-guided tour. Numerous animations are also organized each year to make you discover the place in a playful and amusing way for the young and the old.
Nature reserve of Lilleau des Niges - Les Portes-En-Ré
A real nature paradise, the nature reserve of Lilleau des Niges is located in the heart of the salt marshes. Here, discover the richness of the fauna and flora in the middle of dunes, salt marshes, forests, villages… For a nature outing to be realized in family or between friends, LPO organizes observations of birds since the reserve. Indeed, the nature reserve of Lilleau des Niges is a land of welcome for many migratory birds.
Accessible for free thanks to footpaths, the reserve is not to be missed during your stay on the island of Ré.
Whale lighthouse and its museum - Saint-Clément des Baleines
A fun activity to do with the family, the Baleines lighthouse welcomes you every day without interruption. Inaugurated in 1854, the Grand Phare was built in 1849 and is one of the highest in France, with 257 steps to climb. At the top, you have an exceptional view of the island and the ocean. It is one of the most powerful lighthouses on the Atlantic coast.
The museum allows you to learn a little more about the lighthouse and the Whale beach. You will discover where the whales of the Atlantic coast have been and how the lighthouse has been built and maintained over the years.
The salt marshes
The salt marshes of the island of Ré are composed of three large basins: the vasais, the metieres, and the marsh field. With your family or friends, come and discover the formation of salt and the history of salt farming. Together, discover the production technique of the Retais salt marshes, and enjoy a guided tour of the marshes in activity. How it works, the path of the water from the sea to crystallization, as well as the techniques and methods of the age-old profession of salt maker will be presented to you in order to learn more about the culture of salt.
