Saint Martin de Re village on Ile-de-Ré (France)

Saint-Martin-de-Ré lies in the heart of the Ile de Ré, connected to mainland France by a 2 mile-long bridge from La Rochelle.

It is a picturesque village, known for its pastel green shutters that are steeped in history and charm. With its fortified walls, bustling harbor, and laid-back elegance, it is ranked as one of les plus beaux villages de France” (most beautiful villages of France).

Its location in the Charente-Maritime makes it an ideal hub for exploring the Ile-de-Ré’s beaches, salt marshes, and other quaint villages such as Ars-en-Ré and La Flotte.

History

Ile de Ré dates back to the Roman era, when it was was an archipelago consisting of three small islands. As the islands gradually filled in to form one island, it became part of the trading route with the British Isles.

The island became English in 1154, when Eleanor of Aquitaine became Queen of England after marrying King Henry Plantagenet. The island reverted to France in 1243, when Henry III of England returned it to Louis IX through a treaty. In 1360, however, with the Treaty of Brétigny, Île de Ré briefly became English again, until the 1370s.

In 1988, the toll bridge Pont de Ré was build to connect the island to the mainland. With the bridge in place, Saint Martin de Ré has transitioned from a working fishing port to a popular tourist destination with many people having holiday homes on the island.

Things to do

Church of Saint-Martin

One of the main landmarks in the village is the Church of Saint-Martin. It is a 14th century Gothic fortified church, with one portion standing in ruins.

It is a fortified church, bearing testament to the wars between England and France over the centuries.

While the current building is in good shape, you can climb the tower to get a view of the older building next door which stands in ruins, as well views of the entire island.

Much is not known about the older building, but it is believed to have been given to the village by the Count of Poitou and Duke William VII of Aquitaine in the 11th century.

Harbour

The vibrant harbor is great place for an afternoon leisurely stroll before you head over to a nearby beach.

It is also a great place to rent a leisure boat and head onto the water.

Village center

There are several boutiques you can browse through selling local crafts.

Take a walk or guided tour along the Vauban Fortifications and ramparts to delve into the town’s military history. Nearby, you can visit the Phare des Baleines, a striking lighthouse offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Afterwards, you will want to try one of the local ice creams and relax at an outdoor terrace as you watch the people go by.

Local specialties

The area is famous for its seafood, with a deep tradition of fishing. Oysters, in particular, are a highlight. Try a platter of freshly shucked oysters served with lemon or a mignonette sauce for a quintessential experience.

Another favourite is moules frite, a dish of mussels cooked in a broth or cream sauce, and served with Frech fries.

Ile de Ré is also famous for its salt production, and its fleur de sel is a staple in French kitchens. Take home a bottle of fleur de sel as a souvenir.

The area is also is known for various digestifs such as Cognac and Armagnac which are types of brandies. In addition, try a Pineau des Charentes, a fortified wine made by blending grape juice with cognac and aged for years.

Nouvelle-Aquitaine is also home to the Bordeaux wine region, with plenty of locals wines available to indulge in.

How to get to Saint-Martin-de-Ré?

Saint-Martin-de-Ré on the Île de Ré is about 315 miles (505 km) from Paris. The fastest way to get there is by taking a train from Paris Montparnasse station to La Rochelle, with the journey taking around 2h30 on a high-speed TGV.

The nearest airport is on the mainland in La Rochelle, offering flights to major cities across Europe, making it easy to reach Saint-Martin-de-Ré from various destinations.

From La Rochelle, you will need a car to get to Saint-Martin-de-Ré, although there are buses and boats that head over to Ile de Ré as well. Once on Ile de Ré, it is relatively easy to bike all over the island, with plenty of bike rental shops around.

How many days should you spend?

You can probably visit the main sights of Saint-Martin-de-Ré during a day, with enough time left over for lunch and to head to a beach. But there is plenty to do in the area, so don’t hesitate to spend a few days on the island.

When is the best time to visit?

Saint-Martin-de-Ré hosts the Fête de la Mer in August showcasing maritime traditions with boat parades and seafood tastings.

There are also island-wide events, such as the Fête du Sel in September, honoring Île de Ré’s famous salt production.

Another wonderful period is in December when its Christmas Market in December transforming the harbor with festive lights, local crafts, and seasonal delicacies.

Where should you stay?

There are some great hotels around Ile-de-Ré including:

• €€€ – Hôtel Restaurant Le Grand Large (Rivedoux-Plage)
• €€€€ – Atalante Relais Thalasso & Spa – Wellness Hôtel (in Saint-Marie-de-Ré)
• €€€€€ – HR Hôtel-Restaurant & Spa Marin (in La Flotte)

If you prefer to stay on the mainland, here are some recommended hotels in La Rochelle:

• €€€ – Greet Hotel La Rochelle Centre
• €€€€ – Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites
• €€€€€ – Maison des Ambassadeurs