The 10 must-sees in Ars en Ré, one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France” in Charente Maritime

Among the villages not to be missed on the Ile de Ré, the epicenter of the northern canton comes first. Between vineyards, marshes and ocean, Ars en Ré is essential for its preserved heritage, its marina and its art of living in La Rallaise. But this pretty village is not just a postcard: it is an authentic town surrounded by a generous natural setting which offers a multitude of outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery. Both frozen in time and bubbling with life, Ars en Ré is worth lingering there for a few days. To better discover this town with its cinematic charm, here is a selection of the 10 best visits and the most beautiful experiences to enjoy on site. Between great classics and little-known gems, Ars en Ré never ceases to surprise us!

Visit the Saint-Etienne Church, an emblematic monument of Île de Ré

Culminating at more than 40 meters, its octagonal bell tower with a black and white hooked Gothic spire stands out from afar. It rises like a lighthouse, showing the visitor the way to reach the historic center of Ars en Ré. In the heart of the village, the Saint-Etienne Church stands out as an unmissable monument. Classified as a Historic Monument, the religious building constitutes, with the Abbaye des Châteliers à la Flotte, one of the oldest on the island. On the foundations of a primitive church from the ^7th century, its square tower was erected in the ^11th century and its bell tower added in the ^15th . A fixed landmark on the coast, this bell tower is to the day what the lighthouse is to the night: it serves as a landmark for sailors navigating in the straits, it guides boats towards the entrance to the bay of Fier d'Ars and the port access channel. To admire magnificent 360° views of Ars, take a little height: the best place is, without a doubt, the top of the Ars bell tower, which can be visited in high season!

Stroll around the Port of Ars en Ré, between proud and ocean

With its quays lined with terraces and its 550 boat spaces, the small marina of Ars en Ré has an irresistible character. Nestled between the marshes and the heart of the village, it is nonetheless a very lively place to live. On the quay, the Café du Commerce has been an institution for over a century, a meeting place frequented by both locals and passing visitors. Note the gallery of the painter Philippe Deschamps, housed in the old Ars station, formerly dedicated to the transport of goods and passengers. A picturesque port that reflects the maritime atmosphere of Ars en Ré!

The salt workers’ cooperative

Here is a village that does not lack… salt! Since the Middle Ages, the production of sea salt has constituted the main economic activity of Ars, nestled in the heart of the salt pans. Shaped by the hand of man for centuries, the salt marshes are a kaleidoscope of colors during the day, and a mosaic of mirrors at sunset! The small white pyramids of salt border the squares meticulously maintained by the salt workers who perpetuate ancestral know-how. The Sauniers Cooperative, created in 1993, brings together 70 professionals who exploit the marshes of Ars and promote the white gold of Relais. Meet at the Cabane des Sauniers, opposite the salt shed of the Cooperative located on Route de la Prée to discover a concentrate of the flavors of the island!

Get lost in the alleys

Characteristic of the Île de Ré, its flowery alleys are an invitation to stroll. These small narrow streets, most often paved, are designed to protect from the wind. They are often lined with the famous hollyhocks, another emblem of the island. Take rue du Havre which leads to Place Carnot (church square), then stroll along the discreet alleyways, each more photogenic than the other. . You will surely pass in front of the Hotel du Sénéchal, a superb ^16th century building!

Explore the Fier d’Ars by bike and watch the birds!

A true haven of nature, surrounded by beautiful meadows, large wild mudflats and salt marshes, the Fier d'Ars constitutes a vast playground for lovers of wide open spaces or ornithology! With 4000 ha protected, the Fier d'Ars is home to astonishing biodiversity, particularly species of migratory birds. This vast natural space can be explored on foot or by bike, on kilometers of cycle paths. Allow a few hours for a loop to the Maison du Fier, at Portes en Ré. Breathing the fresh air, taking full advantage of the serenity of the place and respecting the birds are the key words of this authentic adventure.

Relax on Grignon beach

Here is a beautiful beach of fine sand, confidential and intimate for a lovely stroll! Sneak between the dunes, reach Pointe d'Ars and enjoy the immensity of the beach which stretches as far as the eye can see up to the Phare des Baleines. A must-see spot at sunset!

Walk the Digue du Boutillon

After storm Xyntia in 2010, the Boutillon dyke got a makeover. Today it extends over 716 meters along the southern coast of Ars en Ré. Made of reinforced concrete, covered with beautiful stones which give it a certain charm, it offers a pleasant walk at any time of the day, with your gaze fixed on the ocean. At sunset, the terrace of the Les Frères de la Côte restaurant comes alive with regulars who finish work and join for an aperitif! Conviviality and relaxation on the program. Not far away, the Foirouse fish lock can be seen at low tide.

Watch a sunset in the salt marshes

Among the extraordinary landscapes that the Ile de Ré offers us, the salt marshes are undoubtedly among the most typical : vast expanses of salt water, symmetrical squares and canals whose color gradients sometimes seem to flirt with fiction.Unsurprisingly, the sunsets in the salt marshes are spectacular to contemplate. Always enchanting!

Discover local gastronomy at the Ars en Ré market

The Rais love their markets. And that of Ars-en-Ré is undoubtedly one of the liveliest on the Island. A golden opportunity to mingle with the inhabitants of the village and share a little piece of their daily life. The Ars market extends under and around the market hall, Quai de la Criée, every day, from Easter to the end of September from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nearly 200 passionate traders and small producers rub shoulders in a friendly atmosphere offering quality gourmet specialties (fruits, vegetables, fish, oysters and shellfish, butchery, spices, wine, cheese) but also a wide range of textile stands, decoration, jewelry, beach items... Open your senses, you will not be disappointed!

Savor a dozen oysters direct from the producer

Seafood lovers, you’ve come to the right place! Take advantage of your stay in Ars en Ré to stock up on iodized flavors . Tasting oysters in an oyster cabin in the marshes or in a restaurant, fresh from the maturing ponds, promises an exceptional culinary experience. Savor their iodized flesh, accompanied by fresh bread, salted butter and a glass of white wine... The base!

Great discovery of Ars en Ré!

Article and photos prepared by Lesley Williamson

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