Les Portes-en-Ré in a few words...
You're in the heart of nature, between the forests of Lizay and Trousse-Chemise, not forgetting the salt marshes, and the Lilleau des Niges nature reserve, a peaceful haven for migratory birds.
Village life is indisputably centred around Place de la Liberté, which is lively from the morning market through to the evening with its bars and restaurants.
You can't come to Portes-en-Ré without visiting Bois de Trousse-Chemise forest and its beach, which was made famous in the 1960s by a song from Charles Aznavour. But where did this name come from? It comes from the time when it was necessary to roll up one's shirt to cross the gully at the entrance to the Fier d'Ars at low tide, to walk to Loix, the village opposite.
Today lots of swimmers come to Trousse-Chemise beach to ride the 'mao' current, letting themselves be carried along the beach when the tide is coming in or going out, as the Fier fills or empties. A natural water ride for families, but do make sure you stay safe!
Further along from the Bois de Trousse forest you'll find a place known as La Patache, where lots of oyster farmers' barges are moored. This used to be a strategic location for the customs officers who could easily inspect boats that were arriving at and departing from Ars.
Heading towards Maison du Fier, you can't miss Hurle Vent house, with its distinctive red shutters. For many years this house belonged to Suzy Solidor, a cabaret singer and actress of stage and screen, who made her name in Paris and New York. Many artists came to stay in her Ile de Ré home, such as Charles Trénet, Charles Aznavour, Bourvil and Jean Marais. She contributed to the rise in popularity of Ile de Ré as a tourist destination amongst the Paris jetset of the mid-20th century.
Just a stone's throw from here is the Maison du Fier, housed in a disused salt shed, a museum space where the general public can learn all about the nature of Ile de Ré. It is managed by the LPO (League for the Protection of Birds) which offers guided tours of the Lilleau des Niges nature reserve.
If you've fallen for the charms of Portes-en-Ré, we suggest you stay in one of our holiday homes in the neighbouring village of Saint-Clément-des-Baleines
Holiday rentals in St-Clément-des-Baleines
Our selection of restaurants
- Restaurant / Wine bar
Le Chasse Marée, 1, rue Jules-David - 17880 Les Portes-en-Ré
Tel: +33.(0)5.46.29.52.03 Le Chasse-Marée
- Oyster cabin
Les Huîtres de Trousse Chemise, Route de la Levée Verte, cross the golf course, 17880 Les Portes-en-Ré
Tel : +33.(0)6.30.31.91.38 huitres-trousse-chemise.fr
- Independent salt merchant - Hervé Rocheteau - find out about his salt marsh and his products
Le Marais du Roc, route du Roc, 17880 Les-Portes-en-Ré
Tel: +33.(0)7.84.95.97.78 placedusel.com
Activities and leisure
- Bicycle hire,
Cycles Neaud Morin, 12 avenue du haut des Treillers, 17880 Les-Portes-en-Ré
Tel: +33.(0)5.46.29.60.01 neaud-morin.com
- Sailing school
Club Nautique des Portes, 1 promenade de la Mer, 17880 Les-Portes-en-Ré
Tel: +33.(0)5.46.29.61.36 or +33.(0)7.88.30.36.80 cnportes.org
- Kids club - de 3 à 12 ans
La Plage des Enfants, Plage du Gros Jonc, 17880 Les-Portes-en-Ré
Tel: +33.(0)6.73.52.99.86 laplagedesenfants.com
- Golf
Golf de Trousse Chemise, Route de la Levée Verte, 17880 Les Portes-en-Ré
Tel. : +33.(0)5.46.29.69.37 golftroussechemise.com
Tourist and heritage attractions
- Understanding sand dunes
La Maison de La Dune, Forêt de Lizay, 17880 Les-Portes-en-Ré (Access from the Petit Bec or Couny car parks)
Tel : +33.(0)5.46.29.52.71
- Museum space about natural heritage / League for the Protection of Birds
La Maison du Fier / Lilleau des Niges nature reserve, Route du Vieux Port 17880 Les-Portes-en-Ré
Tel : +33.(0)5.46.29.50.74 maisondufier.fr
Events
- Triathlon T24 Ile de Ré : From 8th to 9th June 2024
Individually or as a relay team, seasoned triathletes or Sunday runners, the T24 Ile de Ré event awaits you on 8th and 9th June for an exciting fourth year!
The fine sandy beaches, the salt marshes, the paths beneath the pines, the charming streets of Portes and Saint-Clément… How could we resist organising another unforgettable 24 hours of triathlon for you in this secret paradise?
Location: Village T24- Rue de la Pointe à Chabot - 17880 Les Portes-en-Ré
Contact : contact@t24-xtremtriathlon.com t24-xtremtriathlon.com/iledere2024