La Flotte en Ré
La Flotte en Ré in Charente-Maritime
La Flotte en Ré is one of the most beautiful villages on the Île de Ré in Charente-Maritime. Situated on the island’s north coast, its character and scenery will charm you.
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The village of La Flotte en Ré, with its sandy beaches, opens onto the Breton inlet and faces the Vendée coast.
Part of its shoreline is even lined with small cliffs to protect the coastline.
In this typical Rhaetan village, with its rich historical past, you can discover authentic white houses with green shutters, as you stroll through its narrow streets and alleys. You can reach the village by bike, and stroll along the harbor at your leisure. The Port de la Flotte en Ré is located in the heart of the village, which is always bustling with restaurants, bistros, night markets (in July and August), village festivals and fireworks.
The village offers a wealth of ideas for exploring with family and friends, on foot or by bike.
Places to visit in La Flotte en Ré
There’s so much to discover in La Flotte en Ré that you won’t have time to get bored. The port with its lighthouse, a lively place to visit, is still home to many pleasure boats.
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La Flotte is home to some of the most important monuments on the Ile de Ré.
Between land and sea, you’ll discover the Abbaye des Châteliers, built in the 12th century and listed as a Historic Monument since 1990. You can still visit the remains of the abbey church, the galleries, the refectory and the cloister garden.
The 17th-century Fort de la Prée is the oldest military fortification on the island. The Musée du Platin, located in the Port de la Flotte, welcomes you to discover the maritime history and traditions of the Ile de Ré. Holidaymakers can also take advantage of their camping vacation on the Ile de Ré in Poitou Charentes to explore the surrounding Charente region, visiting Ars, the Whale Lighthouse, the salt marshes, the Ile d’Oléron, La Rochelle and Fort Boyard.
Like every other commune on the Ile de Ré, La Flotte en Ré also offers a number of sailing schools for water sports enthusiasts. You can also easily reach the village by bike or foot.
The port of La Flotte en Ré
A well-known stopover for sailors, La Flotte is an emblematic port on the island, created in 1765 to promote the development of maritime trade. Its primary vocation was the export of salt and wine, the island’s main products.
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La Flotte then became a fishing port, and later a yachting harbor. Every day, it welcomes numerous boats and sailboats that come to anchor on the Ile de Ré. With its picturesque 19th-century rounded jetty, the port of La Flotte is bustling with bars, restaurants and ice-cream parlors with tempting menus.
Protected by its 9-metre green lighthouse, the port of La Flotte also charms with its old riggings and other vintage boats that tell the story of its long history. Five of them are listed as historic monuments.
The market at La Flotte en Ré
La Flotte’s medieval market is a must-see on the island, with its rare charm and picturesqueness. Located in the heart of the village, it can be reached via the lively little streets that lead from the port to the church.
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Created in 1804 on the model of the markets of the Middle Ages, it is housed in a paved courtyard lined with wooden lean-tos where traders set up shop. It brings together the best of local producers in a unique atmosphere.
Every morning in season, people flock here to stock up on local produce, from the island’s famous fruit and vegetables to oysters in the open sea, soaps, cheeses and direct fish deliveries. Without a doubt, the most charming and exotic market within easy reach of the Ile de Ré campsite!