Ars-en-Ré

A jewel of Retais architecture in the heart of the salt marshes

Ars-en-Ré is renowned for its black-and-white bell tower, once used as a landmark for sailors, and its lively market where delicious local produce is combined with a multitude of flavours to be (re)discovered without moderation!

A village steeped in history, rich in architectural heritage

The heart of Ars-en-Ré is the Romanesque and Gothic church of Saint-Étienne. Its belfry is topped by a black-and-white bell tower, 42 m high, which still serves as a landmark and guides boats to the entrance to the bay of fier d’Ars, a veritable inland sea, and the access channel to the port. This bay, a magnificent 800-hectare stretch of water, is a favorite with sea lovers.

Historically, Ars-en-Ré is a relatively old village, as evidenced by its church, whose foundations date back to the ^7th century. In fact, before the ^15th century, it was as important as Saint-Martin. Indeed, before the Martray united the island of Ré to the north, there was the island of Ars, where the village was the administrative and religious capital. In fact, the hamlets of the future Saint-Clément-des-Baleines were an integral part of Ars, before they were detached and the commune created in 1874.

So, if you fancy a stroll along the coast, through the historic village center or into the heart of the marshes, a map of its three hiking trails is available from the village tourist office in the church square. You’ll discover Ars-en-Ré’s rich history, which began with the salt trade and continues to this day in the architecture of the village inhabited by the Arsais, who number around 1,300 year-round residents.

Did you know?

The villagers have another name: Casserons.
This one comes from the proud cuttlefish they used to catch and were
which they were very fond of in summer.

A commune with many qualities, ideal for
for discovering the north of the island

With its 42-metre-high church spire serving as a landmark for sailors, and some sixty salt-marsh farmers exploiting the proud salt marshes, Ars has been an authentic and exceptional “Village de Pierre et d’Eau” since 2011. It is also a “Terre saine” (healthy land) commune, committed to gradually and sustainably renouncing the use of pesticides, in favor of available preventive and alternative techniques.

A vacation spot for lovers of peace and nature, the village is listed as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France” for the undeniable charm of its small white houses with green shutters and cobbled alleys decorated with hollyhocks.

A sailing school introduces young enthusiasts to water sports, and the marina boasts 500 moorings. At low tide, the Fier d’Ars is a vast expanse of mudflats and sandbanks for anglers. Cycle paths from the port take you to La Conche beach, the Baleines lighthouse and Lilleau des Niges, a nature reserve managed by the LPO and home to a rich biodiversity of plants and animals.

Ideally located in the north of the island, Ars is a pleasant village to discover, with marshes halfway between Loix and Les Portes-en-Ré. It’s a great opportunity to admire the splendid landscapes for which the island is famous. Between its activities and its character, this unique village, in the heart of the salt marshes with its port facing the proud Ars, has many assets to make you fall under its charm!