Saint-Martin-de-Ré

The beaches of Portes-en-Ré

Written by Hugo
Feb. 9, 2026
The beaches of Portes-en-Ré

In a landscape dominated by water, between sea and marsh at the tip of the island, the village of Les Portes-en-Ré is a must-see during your stay at Slow Village in Saint Martin de Ré. Just 23 km away, it's a great place to take a bicycle tour. Its territory is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the island, open to the open sea or the Pertuis Breton.

Gros Jonc beach

Facing northeast, opposite La Tranche-sur-Mer, Gros-Jonc beach is one of the closest beaches to the town center of Les Portes-en-Ré. With its wide stretch of fine white sand, it is popular with kitesurfers andwindsurfers. Swimming is possible at high tide and the area is supervised during July and August, making it an ideal destination for families. The beach is bordered by a skate park, tennis courts, and a sailing club, making it a multi-activity destination! At low tide, the old fish locks are revealed. Gros Jonc beach is also a pleasant place to walk, with unspoiled scenery dominated by rocks and vegetation.

Petit Bec beach

Between the Conche des Baleines and Lizay beach, Petit Bec is a renowned surf spot, benefiting from south and south-westerly winds and a north/north-westerly swell. The sandy bottom offers a fast wave, particularly pleasant to surf at mid-rising tide and up to an hour after ebb tide. At the western end of the island, Plage du Petit Bec faces out to sea. Popular for its wilderness setting, it is bordered by forest. It can be reached via the Petit-Bec forest road from the hamlet of La Rivière, nestled between woods and marshes.

Trousse-Chemise beach

Another wooded beach, Trousse-Chemise was made famous by a Charles Aznavour song. At low tide, the beach is within walking distance of the Banc du Bûcheron opposite. Trousse Chemise beach is popular for sailing and kite-surfing, as well as for shore fishing. Families also come here for a swim, a picnic in an enchanting setting, and a stroll between forest and ocean. With children, however, beware of the currents and the speed of the rising tide.

La conche des Baleines

The long beach of the Conche des Baleines starts at the foot of the Baleines lighthouse and joins the Petit Bec beach 3.5 km further on. In the vicinity of the lighthouse, the beach is rather rocky and ideal for shore fishing. It then stretches out into a long stretch of fine sand, ideal for both swimming and board sports. Kite-surfing, bodyboarding, kite-flying, fishing and shore fishing, surfing, sailing and windsurfing, lounging, walking and swimming: the range of activities is wide and there's something for everyone! From Saint-Clément-des-Baleines to Le Portes-en-Ré, this famous Rhétaise beach has preserved its natural, unspoilt setting.

La Loge beach

Facing the Pertuis Breton, bordered by the hamlet of L'Aile du Peu, La Loge beach is located between La Redoute and the Anse du Fourneau. Although swimming is not possible at low tide, the site remains popular with water skiers and windsurfers. There is a water sports center offering a range of courses and introductory sessions. Visitors enjoy the view of Pointe du Fier and the fine sand. There is also a car park near the beach, as well as toilets. The flat access is convenient for people with reduced mobility. The location is quiet and ideal for walks.

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