Located in the northern part of Île de Ré, in the Charente-Maritime department, the charming village of Ars-en-Ré is connected to the island by a narrow strip of land.
With its beaches, surrounding salt marshes, the beauty of its cobblestone streets, uniquely designed houses, and the tranquility that reigns, Ars-en-Ré is a hidden gem of the Atlantic waiting to be discovered during your stay at our Île de Ré hotel!
Ars-en-Ré: One of the "most beautiful villages in France"
Ars-en-Ré is listed as one of the "most beautiful villages in France" a prestigious distinction that recognizes its rich heritage and unique beauty: white houses with green shutters, cobbled alleyways, and stunning salt marshes.
Nature and peace lovers will be captivated by the charm of this serene little village by the ocean.
A Village Best Enjoyed by Bike
Ars-en-Ré boasts several kilometers of cycling paths. Like the rest of Île-de-Ré, exploring Ars-en-Ré by bike is highly recommended. This network of bike trails allows you to discover every corner of the village.
Your journey will lead you to Saint-Étienne Church, a 7th-century emblem of the village, recognizable by its black-and-white painted bell tower and its 40-meter-high spire, which serves as a landmark for sailors. You'll also pass by the village’s typical green-shuttered houses and the Sénéchal House, a 16th-century building listed as a Historic Monument.
Continue your exploration of Ars-en-Ré through its photogenic flower-lined alleys, then head to the Old Port before finishing at the site of the former salt refinery, a key heritage site of Ars-en-Ré. You'll eventually reach the heart of the salt marshes of Fier d'Ars; take the time to admire these splendid and rare landscapes.
White Gold and the Natural Wonders of Fier d'Ars
For centuries, salt harvesting has been a major economic activity on Île-de-Ré. In Ars-en-Ré, salt workers harvest salt from the Fier d'Ars salt marshes. Today, there are around 60 professional salt workers in the village.
A visit to Ars-en-Ré is incomplete without discovering this centuries-old tradition. Salt workers offer guided tours of their salt pans. At the end of the tour, don’t forget to take home some salt from Ars-en-Ré!
Beyond salt harvesting, Fier d'Ars is a landscape of great beauty. It also houses another natural treasure: the Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve. This reserve is home to rich biodiversity, including many species of migratory birds, marsh birds, and butterflies. Regular activities are organized to observe these species in their natural habitat.
At Fier d'Ars, a rare and soothing tranquility awaits visitors seeking peace and a change of scenery.
Ars-en-Ré, a Village at the Heart of the Ocean
Ars-en-Ré, a Maritime Commune
Ars-en-Ré is a small village in the northern part of Île-de-Ré, surrounded by the ocean. Wherever you are in Ars-en-Ré, a beach is never far away. Locals and tourists enjoy swimming in the Bay. This magnificent 800-hectare stretch of water is especially suited for water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, or sailing, thanks to its sheltered position from the open sea's swell and winds.
To the west of the village lies La Grange Beach, a charming small beach ideal for swimming at high tide. In neighboring villages, such as Saint-Clément-des-Baleines, large sandy beaches (La Conche Beach, Côte Sauvage Beach) offer delightful family swims.
Shore Fishing: A Treasure to Discover at Every Low Tide in Fier d'Ars
For shore fishing enthusiasts, the Fier d'Ars, with its vast stretches of mudflats and sandy banks, is the perfect spot for this leisure activity. At low tide, this expansive natural area reveals its treasures: crabs, cockles, razor clams, clams, and scallops are just some of the shellfish and crustaceans you can collect in your buckets.
A Charming Stroll at the Port of Ars-en-Ré
The port of Ars-en-Ré is one of the most iconic places in the village. Nestled in the heart of this small commune in Charente-Maritime, it offers a delightful setting with its typical white houses, colorful shutters, and the steeple of Saint-Étienne church towering above.
To fully admire the sailboats and small fishing boats in this marina, take a leisurely walk along the quays. Beyond its picturesque charm, the port of Ars-en-Ré is a lively spot, perfect for a pleasant stroll. You might even catch local fishermen selling their fresh catch of the day.
The port is also the starting point for maritime excursions to other parts of the Île de Ré or La Rochelle.
Savor the Flavors of the Ocean
No visit to Ars-en-Ré is complete without sampling the island's specialties! On the Île de Ré, fish and seafood reign supreme. Head to the Ars-en-Ré market to stock up on fresh, salty treasures from the fishmongers' stalls, or savor oysters, sardines, cod, shrimp, or crabs at a village restaurant, with a view of the marshlands.
The Île de Ré is also home to samphire, also known as the "pickle of the sea" or the "green gold" of the Île de Ré. This plant, harvested from the salt marshes, has a pleasant salty taste and a crunchy texture. You can eat it raw in a spring salad, as an appetizer with mayonnaise, or cook it like green beans as a side dish for meat or fish.
During your stay at our Les Grenettes Hotel in Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, plan a visit to the charming commune of Ars-en-Ré. An escape into nature and the salt marshes awaits! For a more immersive experience of the island's beauty, don't miss exploring the villages of Le Martray, La Flotte, Saint-Clément-des-Baleines, and Saint-Martin-de-Ré, top tourist destinations in Charente-Maritime.