Ars-en-Ré in a few words…
The village of Ars is the ideal starting point for many bicycle rides through the heart of the salt marshes, the vineyards, the Lilleau des Niges nature reserve and towards the Whale Lighthouse (Phare des Baleines).
The village, which has around 1300 inhabitants known as 'Arsais' or 'Casserons', sits between two straits which surround Ile de Ré: the Antioche strait to the south, and the Breton strait to the north.
Village life extends through Place Carnot to the small station, which is now an art gallery, on towards the old port, via the market, where entertainer Donin puts on a show at his carousel, for the enjoyment of children and parents too!
Discover the church of St Etienne built in the 7th century in Roman and Gothic styles, whose black and white bell tower is identifiable from kilometres away, a monument of Ile de Ré heritage. It's the most famous daymark on Ile de Ré, a 40-metre-tall arrow, it can be seen from a long way away and is easily identifiable. It's an important reference for marine traffic since approaching the coast is sometimes difficult due to rocky and sandy banks.
The port is a true anchor point for the many pleasure boats who make a stop at Ile de Ré, and offers an impressive view of the Fier d'Ars bay. It's Ile de Ré's largest port thanks to its 500 moorings, with 2 wet docks, one whose access is by the lock, and the other, created more recently, at the entrance of the channel.
The Fier d’Ars bay, one of a kind, offers yachting fans and sailors of all kinds an extraordinary playground, moving to the rhythm of the tides. The CNAR sailing school was established at the mouth of the bay in order to make the most of the sea.
The village of Ars-en-Ré is part of the Villages de Pierres et d’eau network, "villages of stone and water", created in 2010 by the Charente-Maritime department and owes this honour to its joint heritage bringing together the stone element with remarkable architecture and water in its different forms (ocean, river, tarn).
The salt marshes shape the surrounding landscapes with enduring beauty. In the right season, you'll be sure to encounter a salt merchant by the side of his marsh, harvesting white gold: fleur de sel.
The history of the village is influenced by the economic activity stemming from the production of salt and its export, in particular through the port opening onto the Fier d’Ars bay. Formerly numbering over a thousand, today there are only around one hundred salt merchants, who either work independently or group together within the salt merchants cooperative located in Ars-en-Ré.
Another place that's full of history: The Café du Commerce on the port. It's a restaurant with a large outdoor terrace where you can admire the boats, and was once one of the most renowned cafe-restaurants on Ile de Ré, where sailors came together. It was also a hotel for passing travellers who took Ile de Ré's little train, which stopped just opposite in the small station.
If you've fallen for the charms of Ars-en-Ré, we suggest you stay in one of the holiday homes selected by Artemis Location
Our selection of restaurants
- Traditional cuisine, fish dishes, "home made""
Chez Rémi, 1 quai de la Criée, 17 590 Ars-en-Ré
Tél : +33.(0)5.46.29.40.26
- Tapas bar, oysters, wines and cocktails
Le Repère, 13 quai de la Criée, 17 590 Ars-en-Ré
Tél : +33.(0)6.07.42.52.11
- Bistro, wines, oysters
Le V, 3 quai de la Criée, 17590 Ars-en-Ré
Tél. : +33.(0)5.46.37.10.85
- Seafood platters, lobsters and shellfish (originating from the family boat, and fish from La Rochelle auction market)
La Fille du Pêcheur, Ouvert à l'année sur le marché d'Ars-en-Ré
Tél. : +33.(0)6.72.92.06.94
- Sale of fine grain salt, fleur de sel, large grain salt, flavoured salts
La coopérative des Sauniers, 7 route de la Prée, 17590 Ars-en-Ré
Tél. : +33.(0)5.46.29.40.27 www.sauniers-iledere.com
- Locally-made jams, fruit jellies, jams with unusual and exceptional flavours
Les confitures du Clocher, 1 chemin des Palissiats, 17590 Ars-en-Ré
Tél. : +33.(0)5.46.29.41.35 www.lesconfituresduclocher.com
Activities and leisure
- Bicycle sales and rentals, electric bikes (Showroom)
Les Cycles N, 2 Place de la Chapelle , 17590 Ars-en-Ré
Tél. : +33.(0)5.46.29.20.88 www.lescyclesn.com
Cycland Ars 8 route de la Prée, 17590 Ars-en-Ré
Tél. : +33.(0)5.4.29.47.17 cycland.fr/ars-en-re
- EFV sailing school – swimming lessons, sailing for beginners, kitesurf, paddleboarding, equipment hire
Le CNAR (Cercle Nautique d'Ars-en-Ré), 27 quai de la Criée, 17590 Ars-en-Ré
Tél. : +33.(0)5.46.29.23.04 www.cnar.fr
- Boat trips out to sea (full or half day)
Pa Yeng Jonque Chinoise, 6 route de la Prée, 17590 Ars-en-Ré
Tél. : +33.(0)5.46.29.41.57
- Horse and pony rides - stables
Les petites écuries du Marais
Tél. : +33.(0)6.16.46.08.89
- Authentic vintage 1960s carousel with music from Donin for young... and old
Donin and his carousel
April to November, every day from 10.00 to 13.00
Place du marché, rue de Mouillebarbe 17590 Ars-en-Ré
Tel: +33(0)6.31.07.45.78 www.doninspectacle.com
Events
Port and sardine festival - Saturday 8th June 2024
An unmissable event on the north of Ile de Ré with various activities on offer: nautical activities, boat rides, old rigging parade, sea shanties, children's activities (face painting, music from Donin), promotion of environment-friendly practices and recycling
To make this key moment for the village even more of a celebration, a concert takes place at the port on Saturday night, with a bar and food available, making this a great occasion to come together.
Location : Port d'Ars-en-Ré, Quai de la Prée, 17590 ARS-EN-RE
Contact : Petits Vers du Fier petitsversdufier@gmail.com
Useful information
If you're planning to come by car, we have researched the free and chargeable parking available in Ars-en-Ré village