What to do in Ars-en-Ré, a small pearl on the Île de Ré?
Written on : 19 November 2019 By : Melchior Burin des Roziers
Lovers of calm and nature, you have found your dreamland. Ars-en-Ré, classified as one of the "most beautiful villages in France", it remains one of the architectural wonders of the island. Come and discover this "village of stone and water" with its small paved and flowered alleys, its pretty white houses with green shutters and its long canal to the sea.
The first thing you see before you even enter the village of Ars-en-Ré is a magnificent black and white bell tower, reaching a height of 40 metres. It is the one of the Romanesque and Gothic style churches in the heart of the village, built in the 7th century. Even boats use this towering masterpiece as a way to enter the Fier d'Ars Bay to the harbour access channel.
The bay offers 800 hectares to sea lovers and a sailing school that introduces you to thrilling water sports. At low tide, it is the fishing enthusiasts who can enjoy the expanses of mud and sand banks by foot.
At the marina, stroll along the quays in front of the 500 rings and enjoy the pleasant sight of the boats entering and leaving.
Lose yourself in the alleys and soak up the calm and warm atmosphere of this small Retais village that invites you to idleness. Ars-en-Ré is populated by about 1300, it is the Casserons and Casserones that are also sometimes called the Arsais and the Arsaises.
Things to see and do in Ars-en-Ré
If you like to walk and admire the local architecture, you can certainly go for a walk around the church, but while walking in the alleys, you can come across some unusual little houses. For example, the Seneschal house, dating from the 16th century, remains a unique architectural specimen on the island. The property has, in turn, belonged to representatives of the judiciary as well as to wealthy merchant families. This old Renaissance residence has two beautiful corner turrets and beautiful ornaments even in its watchtowers: angel, vegetable decoration, man's bust, etc. It is worth a visit.
A little advice: go to the flea market at the port. You will be able to tastefully find furniture and decorative elements, beautiful old books and paintings, pretty crockery and a multitude of unusual objects. The flea market is open every day from 10:30 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 7 pm.
Continue your short bike ride and stop for a few moments at the XIN ART Gallery to admire some of the fine work there. Between photos, sculptures and paintings and street artworks, it is an opportunity to discover artists you did not know. The reception staff are very friendly. Perhaps you will leave with a piece of your choice! Another gallery to discover Philippe Deschamps' gallery, where you can see his beautiful paintings in an adorable and old little station that recreates the atmosphere of the town. On the other hand, certainly, expect a more "introverted" welcome.
How about a little oyster tasting? There is no shortage of addresses in the village but on the side of the Maison Neuve, south-east of Ars-en-Ré, a place remains very interesting for this activity. It is called "Huîtrière de Ré" where visits are organized to learn a lot about oysters, their history and all the work that surrounds them. Of course, we offer you the opportunity to taste excellent oysters, divinely iodized. But other regional products are also sold by smiling and friendly staff. Enjoy a delicious time with family and friends!
Finally, beyond the salt marshes, not far from Ars-en-Ré, enjoy the beaches of La Grange and La Conche, the Phare des Baleines or the Îlot des Niges, which is a nature reserve with rich biodiversity and where more than 30,000 migratory birds come to rest and feed.
Around Ars-en-Ré, there is something for everyone, whether you like hiking, horse riding, cycling or of course water sports. The CNAR (Cercle Nautique d'Ars-en-Ré) takes care of you by providing you with catamarans, dinghy boats, optimists, kitesurfers, windsurfers, paddlers, sea kayakers, etc. and all the necessary equipment. His Club House is located in the old port of Ars and organises an aperitif every Saturday and a dinner every month.
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