La Flotte

Discover the picturesque charm of one of the oldest villages on the Ile de Ré

With its typical alleyways, lively port and medieval-inspired market, the village of La Flotte is guaranteed to take you back in time. Listed as one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages, La Flotte is not to be missed!

A village in bloom with many facets

(Re)discovering La Flotte is the perfect opportunity to marvel. In addition to its remarkable architectural heritage, its superb flower-filled streets in season make this village, listed as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”, the pride of its inhabitants and the delight of the curious. The charm of La Flotte is also revealed along the coast, between land and sea, on the coastal promenade alongside the Cours Félix Faure or towards the Arnérault beach.

Another way to discover the village is to follow the route suggested on the back of the map distributed in all the island’s tourist offices. This walk takes you to the essential points of the village and takes you past a selection of curiosities. The explanations will not leave you stranded and will help you to better understand the identity of La Flotte. It’s an ideal activity for discovering and enjoying. We recommend it for families!

If you’re thirsty for knowledge, don’t hesitate to visit the Musée du Platin, just a few meters from the Cours Félix Faure. A former fire station and distillery in the ^19th century, it is now a veritable mine of information on the history and traditions of the Retaine region, and boasts a unique collection of period objects. Its temporary exhibitions are also an opportunity to learn more about Ré la Blanche! The museum is also the venue for visits to some of the commune’s most prominent historic sites.

Did you know?

According to numerous sources, Nicolas Martiau, a ^17th-century buccaneer,
was an ancestor of the famous George Washington, and of the English royal family!

La Flotte: promises and treasures not to be missed

La Flotte is a village with a rich history, the two greatest witnesses of which are to be found on the outskirts of the village center. The first, the Abbaye des Châteliers, bears witness to the development of vine-growing on the Ile de Ré. The second, Fort La Prée, is the symbol of the island’s fortifications during the many conflicts with England. These two emblematic sites, steeped in mystery, are ideal for families and history buffs alike. In fact, they’re closer than you think, since the stones from one were used to build the other!

The commune is also part of the “Villages de pierres et d’eau” (Stone and Water Villages) network, like 13 other communes in the Charente-Maritime region, which unite around a common heritage where stone meets water in all its forms, with remarkable built ensembles, including its famous medieval-inspired market. The port, built in 1765, is a perfect example. Lined with numerous restaurants, lively terraces, ice cream parlors and small bistros, it’s the ideal place for a refreshing, iodized break.

As for the market, the pride of La Flotte, it was built in 1804 and inspired by medieval architecture, its picturesque appearance recalling the halles of yesteryear. A magnificent paved courtyard lined with stalls covered with wooden lean-tos, local producers and traders bustle about every morning to offer visitors a selection of local produce: fruit and vegetables, meat and fish, seafood, cheeses and regional products to delight your taste buds. It was even voted the most beautiful market in the département in 2024!