Villages on Île de Ré: ten places, ten ways to experience the island differently

This is where our outdoor hotel on Île de Ré is located, the ideal starting point for exploring the island at a leisurely pace.

Good to know: the village is at its most peaceful in the early morning or evening, when the light highlights the ramparts and the port returns to its natural rhythm.

La Flotte, a village on the Île de Ré between port, heritage, and the good life

With its stone harbor and narrow streets lined with white houses, La Flotte is one of the villages on Île de Ré where you can really feel the local way of life. A former fishing village, it has preserved its heritage while remaining lively all year round. The covered market, inspired by medieval architecture, sets the pace for mornings and attracts locals and visitors alike. Between quays, shaded squares, and discreet passageways, La Flotte invites you to explore at a leisurely pace, attentive to details and everyday life.

Our slow tip: after visiting the market, continue your stroll along the seafront to quieter areas. The contrast between bustle and silence allows you to fully appreciate the balance that defines this village's identity.

Ars-en-Ré, an iconic village between the port and the salt marshes

Recognizable by its black and white bell tower, once used as a landmark for sailors, Ars-en-Ré is one of the most iconic villages on the Île de Ré. Its port, located in the heart of the village, is in constant dialogue with the salt marshes that surround it. Water, salt, and light shape the landscape as much as they shape the pace of life. Listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, Ars-en-Ré charms visitors with its flower-filled alleyways, low-rise houses, and peaceful atmosphere, deeply linked to the work of the salt workers.

Interesting fact: the black and white bell tower of Saint-Étienne Church was not painted this way for aesthetic reasons. It was once used as a landmark for sailors, allowing them to spot the entrance to the port from the ocean and navigate through the marshes.

In Loix, time seems to stretch out, inviting you to explore slowly, in tune with the island's natural rhythms.

Good to know: Loix is one of the best villages on Île de Ré for bird watching, especially in the surrounding marshes, particularly at sunrise and sunset.

Les Portes-en-Ré, a village on the Île de Ré between wild beaches and forest

Located at the northern tip of the island, Les Portes-en-Ré offers one of the most natural settings among the villages of Île de Ré. The village stretches between the ocean, pine forest, and marshes, creating open and unspoiled landscapes. The beaches seem endless, sandy paths lead to secluded clearings, and the atmosphere remains decidedly peaceful. Les Portes-en-Ré charms visitors with its sense of space and freedom, where nature takes precedence over bustle, even in the summer months.

Our slow tip: explore the village and its surroundings by bike, taking the forest paths that lead to the beaches or the nature reserve. It's the best way to experience the vastness and tranquility that are unique to Portes-en-Ré!

Saint-Clément-des-Baleines, a village on the Île de Ré facing the ocean

At the western tip of the island, Saint-Clément-des-Baleines stands out for its open landscapes overlooking the Atlantic and its almost wild atmosphere. This village on the Île de Ré is characterized by long, windswept beaches, dunes, and marshes, giving it a feeling of being at the end of the world. The more discreet village is organized around the church and a few quiet streets, while the coastline draws the eye towards the horizon.

Interesting fact: the famous Baleines lighthouse owes its name to the cetaceans that once frequented these waters, visible from the coast. Before its construction in the 19th century, navigation in this area was particularly dangerous, earning this part of the island a reputation feared by sailors.

Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, a village on the Île de Ré between vineyards and the ocean

Between secluded beaches and vineyard landscapes, Sainte-Marie-de-Ré offers a peaceful atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of the ports. This village on the Île de Ré is distinguished by its old neighborhoods, stone walls, and narrow alleys that connect the town to the sea. Local life revolves around small shaded squares, notably those of Antioche and Les Tilleuls, which form the heart of the village. Sainte-Marie-de-Ré charms visitors with its balance of local character, heritage, and gentle way of life, in an authentic and unspoiled setting.

Good to know: Sainte-Marie-de-Ré is one of the few villages on the island where you can go from vineyards to beaches in just a few minutes, offering a variety of uncrowded walks that are ideal for exploring on foot.

Rivedoux-Plage, a village on the Île de Ré between the bridge and the ocean

The first village you encounter when arriving on the island, Rivedoux-Plage marks a gentle transition between the mainland and the island world. Bordered by two beaches opening onto the Atlantic, this village on the Île de Ré stands out for its simple, bright atmosphere. Less marked by ancient heritage, Rivedoux-Plage charms visitors with its wide open spaces, unobstructed horizons, and direct connection to the sea. It is a village that looks outward, where you can immediately feel the sea air and freedom that are unique to the island.

Our slow tip: take a moment to stop on the beach at sunrise or sunset. The view of the Île de Ré bridge, bathed in light, offers an ideal moment of calm to fully embrace the rhythm of the island.

Less marked by a port or a rich heritage, La Couarde charms visitors with its simplicity, balance, and reassuring setting, appreciated by families and lovers of tranquility alike. The village embodies a discreet lifestyle, focused on the sea and everyday life.

Good to know: La Couarde-sur-Mer is one of the most convenient villages for getting around by bike, thanks to its central location and direct access to beaches and neighboring villages.

Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré, a village on the Île de Ré between beaches and markets

With its long sandy beaches and large town center, Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré is one of the most open and brightest villages on the Île de Ré. The village stretches between the ocean, market gardens, and a lively town center, home to one of the island's largest markets. Despite its summer appeal, Le Bois-Plage retains a balanced atmosphere, perfect for bike rides and seaside breaks.

Our slow tip: enjoy a morning stroll on the beach before the market gets busy. The light, the calm, and the vastness of the shore offer a different perspective on this much-loved village.

Discovering the villages of Île de Ré means slowing down and letting yourself be guided by the light, the ocean, and the changing landscapes. Each of these villages reveals a different facet of the island, combining heritage, nature, and local life. Exploring them on foot or by bike, you will discover an island lifestyle characterized by simplicity and balance.

It is from our outdoor hotel in Charente-Maritime that this discovery takes on its full meaning, as a peaceful base from which to explore the island at the pace of the Ré!