The Ernest Cognacq Museum | Destination Île de Ré

At a glance

The site, which was refurbished in early 2024, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the islands of Ré and Saint-Martin.

History of the site

A former military arsenal until the XXᵉ century, classified as a Historic Monument in 1929, and devoted for a time to the Navy, the Hôtel de Clerjotte was handed over in the 1950s to the town, which converted it into a museum.

Art and history collections, from archaeological furniture to objets d’art, follow the development of a flourishing economy based on vine cultivation and salt production. Highly instructive and fun for the youngest visitors, it’s just as much an outing for history buffs as it is for the whole family.

Musee Ernest Cognacq Bureau Salon Violet Saint Martin Ile De Re Yann Werdefroy

Musee Ernest Cognacq Siege Ile Saint Martin Ile De Re Yann Werdefroy

Tip for your visit

To fully appreciate the subjects covered by the museum, perhaps you could start by walking across the street to the former citadel of Saint-Martin, which became a penal colony and then a penitentiary, and is still in operation today.

Then head to the museum, beginning your visit on the first floor. This is where the story of Ré’s existence is told.

Finally, wander through the following rooms to discover more specific aspects of the island, notably around collections of earthenware, old photographs and the history of the penal colony, a key chapter in Saint-Martin’s past.

Did you know?

The Musée Ernest Cognacq is the perfect complement to the Musée du Platin de La Flotte’s exhibition on the maritime traditions and heritage of the Ile de Ré.

Year-round events

Throughout the year, the Musée Ernest Cognacq offers a wide range of events that always add a little something extra.

With regular events every month, the museum offers visitors the chance to discover other aspects of the island’s history in an entertaining way, in the form of lectures by historians or specialists, or thanks to important dates, with subjects as fascinating as each other.

During the school vacations, the museum also offers a wide range of workshops for children, called “les ateliers Ré-créations du musée”! The only rule: learn while you play!

There’s always a good reason to (re)come to the museum!