Rhaetan villages
There are 10 villages on the Ile de Ré, each with its own special character.
You can discover them on your walks or bike rides around the Île de Ré. Each village has its own unique charm, with narrow streets lined with hollyhocks, marinas and bell towers. Between the north and south of the Île de Ré, you’ll have the opportunity to tour the villages and discover their special features.
From the Île de Ré campsite, take the opportunity to explore the island, in search of the most beautiful villages.
Rivedoux Plage
The island’s first commune, Rivedoux-Plage welcomes you to its harbor, where fishing and oyster farming are the watchwords. Rivedoux-Plage, famous for its kitesurfing beach at the foot of the bridge, is also home to the Chauveau lighthouse on the south side of the island.
La Flotte en Ré
Reputed to be the oldest village on the Ile de Ré, La Flotte-en-Ré boasts numerous vestiges from the Middle Ages, including the famous Fort de la Prée and the Abbaye des Châteliers, whose monks were responsible for the planting of the vineyards of the area. The village hosts a medieval market featuring local producers and specialities from the Charente region.
Saint-Martin-de-Ré
With its fortified ramparts, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounding Vauban’s citadel, its port, its mansions and its charming little streets, Saint-Martin-de-Ré welcomes you for a cultural vacation that showcases the town’s heritage.
Sainte-Marie-de-Ré
Famous for its Grenettes surf spot, Sainte-Marie-de-Ré is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. The village also boasts vineyards and a wild coastline to delight holidaymakers in search of authenticity.
La Couarde-sur-Mer
Located in the heart of Ré la Blanche, La Couarde-sur-Mer is certainly the island’s best-known seaside resort. With its famous preserved bandstand and numerous beaches, the village of Ré offers you a cultural vacation by the sea.
Loix en Ré
In the heart of the salt marshes, the small village of Loix en Ré offers you the chance to discover the trade of the saunier, for which the Île de Ré is famous. This peninsula lets you leave your car behind, thanks to the many cycle paths linking it to the rest of the Ré archipelago.
Ars en Ré
Between Saint-Clément-des-Baleines and La Couarde-sur -mer, discover the charming village of Ars en Ré. With its white houses with green shutters, narrow streets and beautiful beaches, the village offers an exceptional blend of medieval remains and unspoilt nature.
Saint-Clément-des-Baleines
Famous for its lighthouses, Saint-Clément-des-Baleines is a small fishing village at the tip of the Ile de Ré. Here you can discover numerous dunes and beaches, as well as visit the Phare des Baleines museum!
Les Portes-en-Ré
The furthest village from the bridge, Les Portes-en-Ré is nonetheless a must-see! Cycle through the Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve, then pedal to the famous Plage de Trousse-chemise.
Rhaetan ports
The ports of the Ile de Ré are welcoming places, full of life and charm, where you can stroll, take to the sea or discover nautical activities. Discover the most beautiful harbours on the island and take a stroll along their quays!
- The port of La Flotte: at the very heart of the listed village, this is a must-see on the Ile de Ré. Small but very lively, it hosts concerts and numerous events in summer. Arguably the most attractive on the island, it is home to old riggings and colorful fishing boats, adding to its charm.
- The port of Saint-Martin: protected by the ramparts of the fortified citadel, it’s the starting point for shopping and pedestrian lanes. Its lively quays are lined with terraces of bars, restaurants and ice cream parlors. From the pier, the view of the Rhaetan houses dominated by the silhouette of the Gothic church is sublime.
- The port of Rivedoux: the island’s oldest port, facing the Charente channel, it’s also the closest to the mainland. From here, you can enjoy an unobstructed view of the Ile de Ré bridge.
- The port of Ars-en-Ré: in the very north of the island, the port of the listed village of Ars-en-Ré was originally dedicated to the trade of salt and wine, the island’s two main products. Now a renowned marina, it’s also the starting point for a magnificent walk along the Fier d’Ars, between ocean waves and marshes.