Ile de Ré
The Ile de Ré, which lies off La Rochelle, can be reached either on a bridge from the mainland (much criticized on environmental grounds) or by boat from La Pallice, at the west end of La Rochelle. The island, surrounded by beaches of fine sand, is 28km/17mi long and 5-7km/3-4.5mi across. Pretty villages bright with flowers lie near salt marshes, some of which are now being converted into oyster-beds.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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The principal resorts on the island, which is favored by nature- lovers, lie on the south coast (Ars, La Couarde, Le Bois- Plage, Ste-Marie, etc.).
The chief place on the island is the pretty little town of St- Martin-de-Ré, with 15th C. fortifications which were remodelled by Vauban (1627 onwards) and are pierced by two massive gates. The fortified church of St-Martin dates from the 15th C. and there is also an interesting Seafaring Museum.
Ars is also an attractive little place with its narrow lanes and the church of St- Etienne, which has a slender spire, a beautiful Romanesque doorway and a Gothic choir.
In the northwest of the island is the Phare des Baleines ("Lighthouse of the Whales"), built in 1854 (view). On the northeast coast is a beautiful sandy beach.
The chief place on the island is the pretty little town of St- Martin-de-Ré, with 15th C. fortifications which were remodelled by Vauban (1627 onwards) and are pierced by two massive gates. The fortified church of St-Martin dates from the 15th C. and there is also an interesting Seafaring Museum.
Ars is also an attractive little place with its narrow lanes and the church of St- Etienne, which has a slender spire, a beautiful Romanesque doorway and a Gothic choir.
In the northwest of the island is the Phare des Baleines ("Lighthouse of the Whales"), built in 1854 (view). On the northeast coast is a beautiful sandy beach.
Facilities
Beach
