La Couarde-sur-Mer

A beach in La Couarde-sur-Mer  ©Lesley Williamson

Welcome to La Couarde-sur-Mer, a village in the heart of the Isle of Ré

In the heart of a protected nature you will find endless beaches that will take your breath away. Here the landscape shows an incredible variety. Sandy beaches, vineyards or salt marshes as far as your eyes can see. On the southern coast, hidden by dunes bordered by pines, a beautiful 5 km long beach is stretching its golden sand. 

You will love La Couarde is typical flowered and narrow streets and its ideal central location for cycling around the island. 
Taking back the road towards the northern coast, you will come across the chenal de Goisil, a little picturesque and bucolic port that is inspiring painters and photographers.

Thanks to its sandy beach, La Couarde became the first seaside resort on the Isle of Ré at the beginning of the 20th century. Its name may come from the word “coe” that is meaning “the end” because the village used to be the last village of the island before the Northern and Southern parts were united into one island. Remains of former large properties like Les Prises and La Passe, show a rich historical past and a prosperous economy based on salt marshes and vineyard exploitation. Today wine production is still the first economic activity even if oyster farming has developed too.

Practical information

Welcome desk of Couarde-sur-Mer

Rue Pasteur 
17670 La Couarde-sur-Mer
Phone : +33 (0)5 46 09 00 55
Contact the Tourist Office by email

Closure of all Reception Offices on December 25th and January 1st.