Sainte-Marie-de-Ré

Traditional village between vineyards and ocean

Located on the south coast of the Ile de Ré, Sainte-Marie-de-Ré is a picturesque village where vineyards meet the ocean. This charming village boasts a rich heritage, a historic church and a lively village center.

A harmonious balance between tradition and nature

A wise resolution when arriving in Sainte-Marie is to “abandon” your car. Here, everything is more peaceful and beautiful on foot or by bike, especially in summer! You’ll enjoy wandering through the narrow streets, alleys and querries, appreciating the old winegrowers’ houses, chai, church and chapels, miller’s house and walled gardens, all of which bear witness to the rural, historical and cultural heritage of this commune with its two town centers. And why not explore its other half: La Noue?

In fact, it’s on this side of the island that one of the oldest maritime traditions on the Ile de Ré is practiced: fishing on foot. Head to the Montamer beach for a good opportunity to take a breath of iodized air and, above all, to explore the foreshore in search of cockled treasures. This family activity, or one to enjoy with friends, is the perfect way to discover the hidden fauna of our beaches and to feast on shellfish of all kinds. Size charts are available from our Welcome Offices.

Are you passionate about marine and foreshore fauna? Then you’ve come to the right place. The A.N.C.R.E Maritaise is on Montamer beach from Easter to All Saints’ Day. As well as offering a permanent exhibition on the biodiversity of the island’s coasts, this interpretation center organizes guided tours of the island’s oldest maritime structures, the fish locks. These are emblematic relics of a different way of fishing, one that the people of Rétais mastered. These protected structures are sure to arouse your curiosity.

Did you know?

Sainte-Marie-de-Ré was once the island’s largest village. Now replaced by La Flotte in terms of surface area, it is nonetheless the most populous.

An invitation to explore between heritage and remarkable natural spaces

For over ten centuries, the village’s economy was based entirely on the cultivation of vines. This era has left a strong rural imprint that can still be seen as you stroll through the streets: house facades, farm buildings, walled enclosures and querries. The area also boasts one of the most precious relics of this crazy era: an ^18th-century cut-stone still. It’s one of the oldest models ever preserved, and you’ll have the chance to discover it during our guide’s tour of the village.

Sainte-Marie-de-Ré is first and foremost an opportunity to get away from it all. Its wild coastline, ever-changing and magnificent in every season, is ideal for swimming and surfing, but also for strolling along the coastal path or simply contemplating the waves, birds and sunsets… Away from the world. Turn your gaze to the horizon, and you’ll be treated to the sight of Ré’s sister island, Oléron, and the famous Fort Boyard, still lurking in the Pertuis d’Antioche. Surely one of the most beautiful views on the island!

Horse Vignes Sainte Marie Laurence Furic

Finally, what better way to discover Sainte-Marie and its rich and varied natural environment? Starting from the Port Notre-Dame cove, on the Thalasso site, the 5 Landscapes trail will take you on a discovery of the village’s different natural environments. Along the way, you may come across hoopoes, finches, mallows and forget-me-nots. The 8 km, 2-hour trail, which is fully signposted, is a veritable treasure trove of nature.