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What to see in Ars-en-Ré in Charente-Maritime?

The streets lined with hollyhocks in Ars-en-Ré provide the perfect setting for a stroll with family or friends. This walk allows you to appreciate a picturesque setting, featuring whitewashed houses with the green shutters typical of the region.

The heart of the Rhétais village centers around a magnificent square and the Saint-Etienne church, a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. In summer, the clock tower is open to the public, allowing visitors to admire the woodworking inside the spire and enjoy breathtaking views of the village and the sea. Beyond its aesthetic function, the spire once served as a landmark for ships. To ensure it was visible from afar, it was painted black and white.

Among the must-visit sites in Ars-en-Ré are the gardens and the Maison du Sénéchal, a 16th-century building recognizable by its imposing decorative corner tower. The marina, which can host more than five hundred boats, is naturally a highlight, as is the nearby natural harbor, a lively spot filled with cafés and various activities. Explore the Atlantic Ocean via numerous cycling paths along the marina and the Atlantic coast of Charente-Maritime in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

A village amidst salt marshes

Unique for its tranquility and preservation, the charming village of Ars-en-Ré nestles in an exceptional natural setting by the sea and surrounded by salt marshes. Accessible via the narrow Martray isthmus, it is labeled as a "village of stone and water." This exceptional environment, rich in biodiversity, invites you to enjoy many walks or bike rides. A network of cycling paths allows you to explore the salt marshes and leads you to nearby remarkable sites: the 121-hectare Lilleau des Niges National Nature Reserve managed by the Bird Protection League (LPO), the Whale Lighthouse and its museum, or the Conche beach. The rejuvenating setting of Ars-en-Ré also promises lovely family walks, camera in hand, along the waters of the Fier, the Boutillon dike, or the port.

Discover all the tourist activities for your holidays in Charente-Maritime.

Restaurants in Ars-en-Ré

Ars-en-Ré offers a variety of restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. Here are five places you might find interesting:

  • Chez Rémi: French cuisine takes center stage at this restaurant. Price: €20 to €55. Address: Port of Ars-en-Ré.
  • La Cabane du Fier: The perfect spot to enjoy fish and seafood. Menu: around €30. Address: 20, Le Martray.
  • Au Goûter Breton: One of the best creperies on the Île de Ré. Wheat crepes: €1.30 to €2.50; buckwheat galettes: €2.90 to €4.90. Address: 48, rue du Havre.
  • Restaurant Le Martray: Another great spot serving French cuisine. Menu: around €30. Address: 8, route d'Ars.
  • Le Café du Commerce: Specializes in American and Caribbean cuisine. Seafood options include oysters, prawns, and mussels. Address: 6, quai de la Prée.

Thalasso Ars-en-Ré

Ars-en-Ré offers the perfect setting for a thalassotherapy retreat. The marine environment is ideal for relaxing both body and mind. The heart of the village itself exudes tranquility. Strolling through its charming streets adorned with hollyhocks and colorful houses is a true delight.

In Ars-en-Ré, Côté Thalasso is a must-visit destination for the ultimate relaxing holiday. The facility welcomes you to a serene environment far removed from stress and pollution, where you can fully indulge in unique moments of well-being.

Côté Thalasso offers a range of treatments designed to soothe both body and mind or alleviate certain discomforts (heavy legs, circulation issues). There are also wellness programs tailored for expectant or new mothers, and for young men and women looking to discover the benefits of thalassotherapy.