©Port Vue Aerienne Fortification Saint Martin Ile De Re Jules Serrurier|Jules Serrurier

Saint-Martin-de-Ré

A village of incomparable charm and a site not to be missed

The island’s main town, Saint-Martin-de-Ré is famous for its fortifications, built by Vauban and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as for its dynamic and engaging local life.

Vauban town par excellence, between typical alleyways and grandiose must-sees

If ever there was a symbol of the region’s art and history, it’s Saint-Martin. To stroll here is to travel back in time. Here, narrow streets and alleyways conceal many treasures of Ret’s heritage: the half-timbered house of La Vinaterie, the Renaissance Hôtel de Clerjotte, and the Citadelle, where prisoners on their way to the penal colony passed through. The town center, steeped in history, will amaze lovers of built heritage, where little curiosities are sometimes hidden.

A must-see when visiting Saint-Martin-de-Ré is the formidable fortified star surrounding the village. Built to the plans of the Marquis de Vauban, then engineer to King Louis XIV, the village has kept its walls and buildings intact. This site, a masterpiece of ^17th-century military architecture, has been magnificently preserved in its undeveloped glacis. Thanks to this work, the town of Saint-Martin-de-Ré was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in July 2008.

Another must-see in Saint-Martin-de-Ré is the observatory bell tower. It offers a unique panorama not only of the fortified town, but also of the whole of the Ile de Ré, stretching from the Baleines lighthouse to the bridge. The monumental clock, the bells in action and the view are a delight for any visitor. The summit of Saint-Martin unveils a magical universe of the Cité Vauban’s rich heritage, where gargoyles and statues converse in silence. In season, don’t hesitate to take it by storm at night for an even greater sense of wonder.

Did you know?

The cobblestones of Saint-Martin are veritable little pieces of the world!
In fact, they are the ballast stones left behind by foreign trading ships
in exchange for their merchandise.

A remarkable history for unforgettable walks

The fortified village has a remarkable history that often goes hand in hand with the island of Ré. To find out more, visit the Musée Ernest Cognacq. Housed in a contemporary building, its permanent exhibition offers an insight into the key periods that have shaped the identity of Saint-Martin and the island: in turn, a land of privileges and independence, of passage and trade, an island of fortifications, farmers and sailors, a place of confinement, thanks to the bagne martinais, or of vacations during the democratization of paid leave. A real goldmine for those who like to be surprised by a village with a lot to tell!

Saint-Martin-de-Ré is the ideal starting point for exploring the island’s vineyards, fields and forests. Don’t hesitate to head west from the fortifications, towards Loix, to enjoy a stroll along the coastal paths – the only ones in the area – which offer a fantastic view of the neighboring Vendée. For visitors from other villages, Saint-Martin is also a great place to spend some quality time with the family, under the amused eye of the donkeys in their breeches… before heading back out on the trails.

Finish your visit in style!
Lined with restaurants and lively terraces, protected by ramparts and a dike at the entrance, the port of Saint-Martin-de-Ré comprises a beaching harbor and a basin regulated by a lock. At the heart of the village, where it remains a beacon, the harbor is now an efficient home to pleasure boats. It’s the ideal place to round off a visit to the village, with a drink or ice cream in hand, and the pleasant bustle of visitors and locals strolling through this emblematic part of the island and Saint-Martin.