La Flotte in a few words...
La Flotte is one of the oldest villages on Ile de Ré, the largest (1,200 hectares), and also one of the most populous (3,017 inhabitants counted on the 2021 census) just behind the village of Sainte-Marie-de-Ré.
From the 16th century, the village saw an economic boom through the export of local products (salt, wine, spirits) thanks to its port. Several traders came to settle in the village, particularly around the port, and their residences are still recognisable by the grand architecture.
In return, the port also allowed the import of products useful for the development of local life throughout Ile de Ré, such as wood for construction, boat masts.
Later the port's activities would turn towards fishing, then tourism and leisure sailing.
But La Flotte's history was recorded as early as the 12th century with the construction of the Cistercian Châteliers Abbey, also known as Our Lady of Châteliers or Our Lady of Ré, which can be admired as soon as you cross the Ile de Ré bridge. Despite being the target of multiple attacks, especially during the religious wars, the architectural layout can still be seen in the ruins of the building, built with cut stone brought from the County of Saintonge.
A few metres away is Fort de la Prée, a military structure built during the reign of Louis XIII using stones from the abbey, which was partly destroyed. Later the fort was renovated under Vauban's orders. During the second world war, the Germans took over the premises to set up defence weaponry. Today Fort de la Prée is open to visitors and also a magical venue for weddings.
These days, La Flotte is a lively place throughout the year, classified as one of France's most beautiful villages, particularly thanks to its medieval-inspired market, an unmissable destination for food lovers which is open 365 days a year, its port which harbours many pleasure boats as well as its old riggings, five of which are classified as historic monuments.
The charm of this seaside resort lies in its well-preserved architecture - the village is classified as a notable heritage site, its shops, and its restaurants where you enjoy lingering over a meal or a coffee with a view of the port.
And not forgetting the seafront where you can walk along the coastal path from Châteliers Abbey, to the east of the village, as far as the oyster cabins located to the west towards St-Martin-de-Ré.
Every evening in summer, entertainment is organised on the port, and a night-time market takes place along Félix Faure street.
If you've fallen for the charms of La Flotte, we suggest you stay in one of the holiday homes and villas selected by Artemis Location agency, specialist in holiday rentals
Our selection of restaurants
- Oyster cabins and oyster tasting:
La Cabane Océane,
Oyster bar and shop: 9 route du Praud, 17630 La Flotte Tel : +33.(0)5.46.66.54.08 lacabaneoceane.com
Production and offices: 2 route du Praud, 17630 La Flotte Tel : +33.(0)5.46.35.68.42 lacabaneoceane.com
Les Copains Bâbords,
Establishment and tasting: 3-4 route du Praud, 17630 La Flotte Tel : +33.(0)5.46.01.35.51 famillelecorre.com
Shop at the port: 20 quai Sénac, 17630 La Flotte Tel : +33.(0)5.46.09.56.89 famillelecorre.com
- Restaurants, Brasserie
La Brasserie de la Plage (Le Richelieu), 44 avenue de la plage, 17630 La Flotte
Tel. : +33.(0)5.46.09.60.70 hotel-le-richelieu.com
Le St Georges, 10 quai Sénac, 17630 La Flotte
Tel : +33.(0)5.46.09.60.18
- Fishmonger, seafood platters
Ré Alizés, 16 ter rue des caillotières, Zone artisanale la croix michaud, 17630 La Flotte
Tel : +33.(0)7.85.78.34.02 poissonnerie-realizes.com
Poissonnerie Pay, Place du Marché , 17630 La Flotte
Tel : +33.(0)6.37.70.87.54 - During the market, every morning
Activities and leisure
- Bicycle hire,
Cyclo Surf, 14 bis rue Henri Lainé, 17630 La Flotte
Tel. : +33.(0)55 46 09 51 60 cyclo-surf.com
Our preferred partner in La Flotte
Enjoy a 10% discount for online reservations before you arrive or 10% discount in the shop with our coupon.
Please ask Artémis agency for your discount code to take advantage of this offer.
Les Vélos de l’île de Ré
4 place de l’Eglise, 17580 Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré
Tel : +33.(0)9.72.66.52.97 or lesvelosdeliledere.com
- Sailing school
CNPA Multi-activity nautical base, 6 promenade de la Côte, 17630 La Flotte
Tel. : +33.(0)5.46.09.50.57 iledere-voile.com
- Catamaran trips
Blue Note, departing from La Flotte port, 17630 La Flotte
Tel : +33.(0)6.61.90.06.12 catamaranbluenote.fr
- Stables, horse riding
Les Ecuries du Moulin Moreau, Chemin des Durancières, 17630 La Flotte
Tel : +33.(0)5.46.09.32.34 ecuries-moulin-moreau.com
Tourist and heritage attractions
- Historic monument and museum dedicated to maritime heritage and Ile de Ré life
Châteliers Abbey and the Platin museum, 4 cours Félix Faure, 17630 La Flotte
Tel. : +33.(0)5.46.09.61.39 museeduplatin.fr
- Heritage - the oldest military building on Ile de Ré
Le Fort de la Prée, Route de Rivedoux RD 735, 17630 La Flotte
Tel. : +33.(0)6.87.21.90.29 or 05.46.09.73.33 fort-la-pree.com
Culture
- Art gallery
La Galerie Sénac, 18ter quai de Sénac, 17630 La Flotte
Tel. : +33.(0)5.46.09.97.71 galeriesenac.com
Events
- Port festival: 18th and 19th May 2024
- Sites en Scène shows, St Laurent firework display (August)
Useful information
If you're planning to come by car, we have researched the free and chargeable parking available in La Flotte