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Ars-en-Ré
Charente-Maritime
Ars-en-Ré, between the marina and the salt marshes in the heart of the Île de Ré
We love Ars-en-Ré for the charm of its white houses with green shutters and its cobbled alleyways lined with hollyhocks, so typical of the Île de Ré!
Along with La Flotte, it is one of the island’s two “Most Beautiful Villages of France” and is distinguished by the black-and-white bell tower of its church, which served as a landmark for sailors.
Fancy a peaceful spot close to nature? Ars-en-Ré is waiting for you!
Salt, sun and sea
Whether by bike or on foot, discover the seaside charms of this ‘Most Beautiful Village’ in the heart of the Île de Ré! Escape, heritage, nature and letting go… Fancy joining us?
Les Plus Beaux Villages de France
Word of Mouth
Still producing 2,000 tonnes of salt a year, the salt marshes were the driving force behind the development of Ars. The large salt store where the salt used to be kept now houses the covered market, and the fine mansions of the salt merchants can still be seen on Rue du Havre.
Your experiences to live in Ars-en-Ré
©Les Plus Beaux Villages de France
Exploring on foot
Lose yourself in the narrow streets lined with white houses with green shutters, made all the more beautiful by the hollyhocks that bring colour to the village from April to September, and admire the fine mansions of the salt merchants on Rue du Havre.
Indulge in the delights of the seaside
Stock up on savoury treats at the Coopérative des Sauniers, join Marie-Ange’s storytelling and gourmet walks from April to October, and sample some ‘DoRé’ oysters at the harbour or in the oyster huts in the heart of the salt marshes
©Jules SERRURIER-OT Île de Ré Tourist Office
Explore the salt marshes by bike
Take the cycle paths that criss-cross the village and watch the salt workers harvesting salt – a time-honoured craft.
The market
Come and shop for fresh produce and ‘made in’ Île de Ré goods every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday (at Place Carnot all year round, and at the harbour from April to September).
Take a seat on a terrace by the harbour
At sunset, looking out over the boats, and having a drink: there’s nothing quite like it for savouring that typical Ré atmosphere!
Boat trips
Windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, dinghy sailing, catamaran sailing, trips on a junk or a cazavant… Feel the sea in your bones and breathe in the sea spray as you explore the coast!
Ideas for everyone, all the time
The Oct. 21, 2026 from 9:30 a.m.
Oiseaux et Nature des Marais d'Ars
Discover the Marais d'Ars. Learn about birds (identification, lifestyles, migration), nature and the marsh landscape.
Next dates:
- 10/21/2026
Open every day
The Nov. 15, 2026 from 10 a.m.
Point d'observation des oiseaux - La Lasse
Discovering the Vasière and its birdlife. Meet at the Pointe de la Lasse
Next dates:
- 11/15/2026
Open every day
Off for a day at the beach! We’re packing a picnic and our swimming gear, and heading to La Grange beach! Near Pointe de Grignon, this beach – which is only accessible at high tide – is a popular spot for surfing, bodyboarding, sailing, kite flying and fishing.
A thalassotherapy weekend to reconnect and recharge your batteries
Treat yourself to a relaxing and rejuvenating break whilst enjoying the benefits of the sea at Thalacap! Whether for a day or longer, enjoy massages, a heated seawater pool, a sauna, a hammam and massage jets… Pamper yourself!
Our recommendations
Le Sénéchal - Marina Ducharme
Le Sénéchal
In the heart of Ars-en-Ré, the three-star Le Sénéchal hotel invites you to experience its elegant, understated rooms, lofts and cottages, as well as its cosy lounges.
VVF Villages
Résidence VVF Île de Ré Ars-en-Ré
Welcome to the VVF holiday residence in the heart of Ars-en-Ré. With cycle paths leading to the island's beaches and two listed villages, it's the perfect place to explore the whole island.
Map of Ars-en-Ré
Extend the visit to near Ars-en-Ré
Extend your visit to the area around Ars-en-Ré by exploring the magnificent natural landscapes and the wide range of activities the region has to offer
La Flotte
(16 km)
Test
But the laughter is either absent or has no consequence
Prepare your stay at Ars-en-Ré
Destination Ile de Ré
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Ars-en-Ré
