Exceptional fortification
Its geographical situation opposite La Rochelle has made the île de Ré one of the French military strongholds. In the 17th century, the island was transformed into a veritable fortified military camp: the fort of la Prée, la Redoute de Rivedoux and the urban fortification of Saint-Martin-de-Ré were designed by the architect Vauban. These “citadels” today open their doors to you and invite you to take a fabulous journey through the tormented history of this great century.

Musts to discover
Shellfish picking, the Phare des Baleines at 0.8 km, the Maison du Fier at 5 km, the Huîtrière de Ré at 5 km, the ecomuseums of the island, the Maison du Magayant, the Ernest Cognac Museum, the salt marshes, the wild bird nature reserve, Parc Amazonia, St Martin de Ré with its port, its citadel and its ferry terminal to Fort Boyard.

And on the mainland and further afield?
La Rochelle, with its ports, the old town, maritime museum and aquarium. Rochefort, the town with its connections both maritime and botanical with Le Jardin des Retours and La Serre Conservatoire, the corderie royale, the musée des commerces d'autrefois and le chantier de l'Hermione. The Atlantic Coast, with the old town of Fouras, Marennes and its oysters, Oléron, Marais Poitevin (the Green Venice), Saintes, Niort... The île d'Aix, with its mother of pearl workshop and its exclusively pedestrian traffic for lovers of nature and calm.