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Sainte-Marie-de-Ré
ℹ️Practical info — Sainte-Marie-de-Ré
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Rent a bicycle to explore; the island features an excellent network of dedicated, flat cycle paths.
- If arriving by car in summer, cross the Île de Ré bridge early in the morning to avoid heavy traffic.
- Discover the traditional stone fishing locks (écluses à poissons) at low tide, ideally with a local guide.
- Book dinner reservations well in advance during peak season, as village restaurants fill up quickly.
🍽 Food
Try these slightly salty new potatoes, often served roasted in local bistros.
Enjoy this regional apéritif, a fortified blend of grape must and Cognac.
Stop at an oyster shack (cabane à huîtres) along the coast to taste them straight from the producer.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Visit this bustling summer market for fresh produce and local treats.
Buy this premium sea salt, hand-harvested in the island's salt pans.
Purchase local island wines and Pineau directly from the producers' cooperative.
A quiet oceanfront park, well-suited for relaxing away from the main crowds.
Take a peaceful walk or bike ride through the vines just inland from the village.
Water temperature…
Sainte-Marie-de-Ré is situated on the south coast of Île de Ré and has successfully preserved its authentic, village character. The town consists of two districts, La Noue and Sainte-Marie, characterized by narrow streets, flower-decked houses, and a deep connection to the sea. The coastline here is diverse: while Plage de Montamer and Plage de la Salée are well-suited for relaxed beach days, Plage des Grenettes provides excellent conditions for surfers. Plage de l'Arnerault and Plage de l'Anse Imbert add to the municipality's varied bathing options. The village is renowned for its traditional agriculture, particularly viticulture and the cultivation of the famous Île-de-Ré potatoes. At low tide, the coast reveals a unique feature of the island: historical fish locks (écluses à poissons), which have been used for fishing for centuries and are now protected heritage sites. The local landmark is the church with its distinctive black spire, which formerly served as a landmark for mariners. The daily market at Place de La Noue is to sample local specialties. The bicycle is the handy mode of transport for exploring the island, as Sainte-Marie-de-Ré is connected to an extensive network of cycling paths. The island is linked to La Rochelle by an impressive bridge, making access very convenient. Whether hiking along the cliffs, cycling through the vineyards, or surfing the Atlantic waves, Sainte-Marie-de-Ré features a great blend of activity and relaxation in one of the sunniest regions of France.
- Location: Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
- Top sights: L'Ancre Maritaise · Mairie de Sainte-Marie-de-Ré · Église Notre-Dame de l'Assomption
- Nearby: Île de Ré (9 km)
- Population: ~2.832
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 8 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 20 | 20 | 18 | 15 | 11 | 8 |
| Rain mm | 83 | 57 | 66 | 52 | 58 | 47 | 45 | 46 | 44 | 77 | 87 | 87 |
Live webcam – Sainte-Marie-de-Ré
See what it looks like near Sainte-Marie-de-Ré right now.
Rivedoux-Plage › South-west · 3.4 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Geography
Facts
- Island: Île de Ré
- Activity: Cycling & Surfing
- Culture: Fish locks (écluses)
- Landmark: Black church spire
- Main Beach: Les Grenettes
- Products: Wine & Potatoes
- Market: Place de la Noue
- Access: Via La Rochelle bridge
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Begin your morning exploring the historic heart of Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, starting with the town hall and the towering parish church. By midday, take a relaxing stroll down to the tranquil Plage de la Basse Benaie to enjoy the coastal breeze. In the afternoon, follow the coastline to Plage de la Salée for expansive ocean views and peaceful moments. Conclude your walking journey with a serene visit to the charming Chapelle Saint-Sauveur as evening approaches.
Mairie de Sainte-Marie-de-Ré
Église Notre-Dame de l'Assomption
Plage de la Basse Benaie
Plage de la Salée
Chapelle Saint-Sauveur
Start your wet morning at the town hall before seeking refuge in the church. At noon, stroll in rain gear to Plage de la Basse Benaie, where the crashing waves are mesmerizing. The afternoon continues breezily at Plage de la Salée. The day ends peacefully inside the dry Chapelle Saint-Sauveur.
Mairie de Sainte-Marie-de-Ré
Église Notre-Dame de l'Assomption
Plage de la Basse Benaie
Plage de la Salée
Chapelle Saint-Sauveur
On a crisp winter morning, start at the town hall and warm up inside the church. At noon, the deserted Plage de la Basse Benaie offers raw beauty for bundled-up walkers. Spend the afternoon breathing crisp air at Plage de la Salée. Before the early dark (around 17:00), visit the historic chapel.
Mairie de Sainte-Marie-de-Ré
Église Notre-Dame de l'Assomption
Plage de la Basse Benaie
Plage de la Salée
Chapelle Saint-Sauveur
Kick off your cycling day at Plage de Port Notre-Dame, enjoying the morning sea breeze before heading into town. Midday brings a rich dose of history with visits to the central church and the grand Mairie. In the afternoon, ride west to L'Ancre Maritaise and unwind at the secluded Plage de Montamer. Wrap up your active day at Plage de la Salée, taking in the stunning coastal sunset colors before heading back.
Plage de Port Notre-Dame
Église Notre-Dame de l'Assomption
Mairie de Sainte-Marie-de-Ré
L'Ancre Maritaise
Plage de Montamer
Plage de la Salée
Ride carefully to Plage de Port Notre-Dame. The church then offers a dry break. At noon, cycle in a rain poncho to the town hall and L'Ancre Maritaise, where indoor exhibits await. The afternoon will be wet at Plage de Montamer, before the tour ends at the rainy Plage de la Salée.
Plage de Port Notre-Dame
Église Notre-Dame de l'Assomption
Mairie de Sainte-Marie-de-Ré
L'Ancre Maritaise
Plage de Montamer
Plage de la Salée
Cold winter cycling starts at Plage de Port Notre-Dame. Warm up in the church in the morning before passing the town hall. Head quickly to L'Ancre Maritaise at noon. In the afternoon, freezing winds at Plage de Montamer will test you. Reach Plage de la Salée in the early twilight.
Plage de Port Notre-Dame
Église Notre-Dame de l'Assomption
Mairie de Sainte-Marie-de-Ré
L'Ancre Maritaise
Plage de Montamer
Plage de la Salée
Start your scenic drive at L'Ancre Maritaise, delving deep into the maritime heritage of the island right away. By midday, take a very short hop to the pristine Plage de Montamer for a refreshing and quiet coastal break. In the afternoon, drive towards the village center to visit the charming Chapelle Saint-Sauveur and the historic Mairie. Conclude your memorable day trip by the expansive sands of Plage de Port Notre-Dame.
L'Ancre Maritaise
Plage de Montamer
Chapelle Saint-Sauveur
Mairie de Sainte-Marie-de-Ré
Plage de Port Notre-Dame
Start the rainy day dry inside L'Ancre Maritaise. Then drive to Plage de Montamer, watching the sea spray from the car. At noon, the chapel offers shelter, followed by the town hall. End the afternoon at Plage de Port Notre-Dame as the rain hopefully eases.
L'Ancre Maritaise
Plage de Montamer
Chapelle Saint-Sauveur
Mairie de Sainte-Marie-de-Ré
Plage de Port Notre-Dame
On a winter morning, visit the comfortably heated L'Ancre Maritaise. Then drive to the windy Plage de Montamer. At noon, dive into the frosty peace of the chapel, followed by the town hall in the winter sun. Finish the drive at Plage de Port Notre-Dame before 5 PM.
L'Ancre Maritaise
Plage de Montamer
Chapelle Saint-Sauveur
Mairie de Sainte-Marie-de-Ré
Plage de Port Notre-Dame
Sights in the town Sainte-Marie-de-Ré (7)
Frequently asked questions
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Sainte-Marie-de-Ré: where is it located?
Sainte-Marie-de-Ré: what is there to see?
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Sainte-Marie-de-Ré: why is it worth visiting?
















