A stroll in Bois-Plage-en-Ré (1h) through alleys and squares: estacade, lively market, Bel-Air mill and traces of winegrowing and maritime heritage.
This walk through the heart of Bois-Plage-en-Ré reveals the village's history and heritage. From the estacade facing the ocean to the lively market, via the Cristina Rueda anchor, the Bel-Air mill and the old town hall, each stage tells a different story of life in Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré. Between maritime memories, wine-growing traditions and village architecture, this friendly stroll immerses you in the authenticity of Bois-Plage, the largest village on the Ile de Ré.
- Guidebook with maps/step-by-step1 L’ESTACADE, the starting point of the walk, offers a magnificent view of the ocean.
2 THE ANCHOR OF THE CRISTINA RUEDA bears witness to the tragedy of a storm on the night of 23 February 1925, during which the people of La Boite attempted to rescue the crew. The shipwreck resulted in the deaths of 15 Spaniards and four sailors from the La Rochelle rescue team.
3 MARKET SQUARE: the market in Bois-Plage-en-Ré is the largest on the Île de Ré, welcoming up to 130 traders in high season.
Walk back towards the church (the entrance is through the side doors) and take a moment to admire its stained-glass windows.
4 THE FORMER TOWN HALL (to the right of the church) was once the home of Victor Cognacq, a winegrower who made his fortune in the 19th century. The façade features various decorations, including the head of Bacchus, reflecting his profession and the splendour of his life.
5 THE MUSIC SCHOOL: its building was bequeathed to the town hall in 1995 following the dissolution of the association, on condition that it remain dedicated to music. The municipality, now the owner, continues the musical tradition of the inhabitants of Bois-Plage.
6 THE MALAKOFF TOWER, a residence built by archaeologist and historian Théodore Phelippot in 1854. Its originality lies in its belvedere and access via a spiral staircase with 54 steps.
7 THE BELLÈRE OR BEL AIR MILL. On the way, you will pass numerous weather vanes; the municipality has more than 200. The Bellère mill is the only one on the Île de Ré to have retained its sails. It is also the last of the 12 mills installed in the municipality 300 years ago.
Plain text period
From 01/01 to 31/12/2025 daily.
