Its maritime zones, surf spots, and both sunrise and sunset make the Île de Ré in Charente-Maritime a renowned destination in France. Marvel at the tides that shape the identity of this island just minutes from La Rochelle and Saint Martin de Ré. Enjoy the mesmerizing dance of the Île de Ré tide during your stay at our hotel, Les Grenettes, which features a pool in Sainte-Marie-de-Ré.
Understanding the Tidal Phenomenon
What is a tide?
The best viewpoints to enjoy the sunrise and sunset are on the beaches of Île de Ré, where an astonishing phenomenon occurs. At various times of the day, the waters experience cycles of approach and retreat, known as tides. The tide on Île de Ré results from the Earth's rotation and the gravitational pull of the sun and moon on the ocean. These movements determine the tidal coefficient, indicating the height difference between high and low tide. The coefficients help forecast tide conditions and weather. Indeed, understanding the tides of Île de Ré in Charente-Maritime allows you to fully appreciate the island’s maritime zones.
Types of Tides
The Île de Ré tide follows two movements:
- The rising tide, with water at ambient temperature, occurs between low tide and high tide when the sun and moon are side by side.
- The falling tide happens when the sun and moon are at a right angle.
The maritime zones of the island feature two types of tides depending on the lunar phase:
- Spring tides occur during the full or new moon phases, resembling significant rising and falling tides.
- Neap tides occur during a gibbous moon phase. This lunar phase is due to the opposite direction of the two celestial bodies.
The average height of the tide affects the water temperature and the practice of activities like surfing or shore fishing.
Specific Tides of Île de Ré
The island’s geographical characteristics influence the tides. Its proximity to the mainland, the marine relief of Charente-Maritime such as sandbanks and lagoons, and the coastal areas can spread the water movements.
Tide Schedule: How to Keep Track?
Don’t miss out on the tide spectacle by using mobile apps or visiting an information site that provides you with the tide schedule and weather for the day. Supplement these weather forecasts and reviews on the Île de Ré tide with data from Shom.
Tide-Related Experiences on Île de Ré
Activities to do at low tide
Defined by a low water height, low tide with a coefficient close to 20 allows you to explore marine life and go shore fishing. Head to the beach near Saint-Clément-les-Baleines or the beach at Sainte-Marie-de-Ré to engage in this popular activity in Charente-Maritime.
Activities to do at high tide
During a high tide with a coefficient close to 100, enjoy water sports and activities. Besides playing on the beach at Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, explore the surf spots at Saint-Martin de Ré or the areas around the port of Bois-Plage-en-Ré to surf on the Île de Ré map.