Our 3 must-sees during your stay on the Île de Ré

We think it's a must-see : The Phare des Baleines lighthouse

Our passionate guide will accompany you 

Accompanied by our nature guide, enjoy a unique experience and discover the Phare des Baleines lighthouse in a whole new way! As night falls, set off in a small group of explorers to reach this emblematic monument, and discover the lighthouse, bathed in an enchanting light, away from the crowds.

Extend the magic with a twilight stroll along the sea wall, facing the ocean. Be mesmerised by the lighthouse's "fire" and its beams of light illuminating the night sky. 

Our guide will also reveal some of the secrets of the Phare des Baleines, including its intriguing name, which comes from the many whales that once washed ashore.

One of the tallest lighthouses in France 

At 57 metres high, the Phare des Baleines offers a breathtaking 360° panorama of the north of the Île de Ré. And who knows, you might even spot Le Phare, your pied-à-terre, nestling nearby.

A visit to the Lighthouse is the perfect opportunity to marvel at its grandeur and take a deep breath of sea air. Listed as a historic monument, its figures are impressive : a light range of over 50 km, the title of one of the most powerful semaphores in France and 257 steps to climb. But believe us, the view from the top, between the ocean and the Île de Ré countryside, is well worth the effort!

To find out more about its history, visit the Musée de la Vieille Tour. This captivating venue plunges you into the fascinating world of lighthouses and their construction techniques, with interactive, multimedia exhibitions and unique objects to delight young and old alike. 

The salt marshes, our favourite

Dive into the fascinating world of salt marshes with Hervé, the salt worker of the Roc marsh

It's impossible to miss the salt marshes during your stay at Le Phare. Located in the north, this is the wildest part of the island. We invite you to immerse yourself in this authentic setting with its flamboyant colours and to be charmed by the richness of the local flora and fauna.

The island's salt marshes are full of treasures, the most famous of which is its famous salt, once the island's main economic activity. There's no better way to explore this unique area than by bike or on foot. Remember to hire your bike at the Maison du Cycle, right on site, before setting off to explore the trails. The little bonus? Your exploration begins as soon as you leave Le Phare : the marshes are just across the road!

As you stroll along, you may be lucky enough to come across a salt worker at work, observe migratory birds or admire the oyster beds. A moment of pure immersion in the authenticity of the island!

Our team loves : local markets

There's nothing better than strolling through the markets and meeting the locals for a friendly, immersive experience of the local atmosphere.

The Île de Ré is famous for its lively markets, where many local producers come to share their know-how. Each market has its own atmosphere, perfectly reflecting the spirit of the village in which it is located.
 

It's the ideal place to discover the island's best specialities : AOC and AOP potatoes, fresh and generous oysters, and of course the emblematic salt of the north of the island. You'll also find rare and delicious products such as samphire, the "treasure of the marshes", and delicious, authentic local wine. And if you want a souvenir of your stay, don't miss out on the clothes and little treasures you can take home with you!

• the markets in La Flotte, Rivedoux and Sainte Marie are open every day in the morning, all year round.
• the others are open every day from 9am to 1pm only in high season