The Port of Saint-Martin-de-Ré

A legendary marina on the Ile de Ré

The port of Saint-Martin-de-Ré, on the north coast of the island, opens onto the Pertuis Breton and has existed since the Middle Ages. It was around this harbor that the island's urban core was built, and its commercial and strategic position soon made Saint-Martin-de-Ré the historic economic capital of the Rhaetan territory.

Double protected by ramparts and a dike, the port of Saint-Martin charms visitors today with its authentic setting, its human scale, and its accessibility. Consisting of a dry dock and a wet dock protected by a lock, it can now accommodate 280 boats, including several dozen reserved for visitors and passing boaters in the wet dock and at the quay. The seasonal pontoon installed along the large pier meets summer demand.

The size of boats authorized to anchor is limited to 21 meters with a draught of 2.5 meters. Multihulls and RIBs are not permitted in the wet dock. Popular with yachtsmen for its nightly entertainment and proximity to numerous shops and services, the port of Saint-Martin also offers all the services needed for a successful stopover: fuel station, showers and toilets, laundry, technical services for repairs, free wifi, weather forecast.

A timeless place to stroll

Lined with cafés, restaurants, ice cream parlors and their lively terraces, the port of Saint-Martin is located in the heart of the historic village. From the quayside, stroll down the rose-flowered alleyways, home to a variety of boutiques selling fashion, regional delicacies and souvenirs.

The port of Saint-Martin-de-Ré is the ideal starting point for tours of the town center, and offers an ideal backdrop for strolls along the Quai Job Foran, the Quai de la Poithevinière, the Quai Georges Clemenceau, to the lighthouse and the sea wall. The originality of the site lies in the circular structure of the wet dock, which offers a small urban island at its center: home to renowned restaurants, boutiques and art galleries.

Tempted by a visit? From our campsite on the Ile de Ré, the port of Saint-Martin can be reached in just a few minutes by bike, via the paths across the fields and the Cours Vauban. By car, the nearest parking lots are Le Bastion to the west, and La Citadelle to the east. The latter is also the largest, with spaces available even in high season. To reach the port, simply cross the pleasant Parc de la Barbette or walk along Avenue Victor-Bouthillier.

The port of Saint-Martin-de-Ré is both lively and soothing, and is a must-see on the island, offering a change of scenery in every season!

Things to see and do near the port of Saint-Martin-de-Ré

A stopover in the port of Saint-Martin-de-Ré is also a gourmet experience! It's the perfect opportunity to stop and eat seafood specialties, either in front of the boats or in the old streets. Among the restaurants, Le Tout du Cru is a must for seafood lovers. On the Quai de la Poithevinière, Madame Sardine, Le Skipper and La Marine invite you to take a lunch break by the water. In the afternoon, simply enjoying an ice cream or a cool drink on a terrace is always a pleasant moment.

From the port, the remarkable buildings of the island's historic capital are just a stone's throw away: take a stroll through the old town center and you'll discover the church and its observatory bell tower, whose summit offers a magical panorama of the fortified city and its port, both day and night.

Just a stone's throw from the Quai Job Foran, the Musée Ernest Cognacq welcomes the curious and history buffs to tell them all about the island's history through its collections of art and antiques. On your way out, don't miss out on the fun for all the family at Parc de la Barbette: the children's playground, the oyster bar, the guinguette, and the picturesque donkey rides. Finally, follow the ramparts from watchtower to watchtower all the way to the citadel of Saint Martin de Ré, and admire the ever-changing ocean views!