Things to do in Ars-en-Re

Ars-en-Re – On the attractive island of Ile de Re, the small town of Ars-en-Re is far quieter than the island capital of Saint-Martin-de-Re, even in high season. We visited in July, with two children, so if you fancy a quieter pace, in a beautiful location, read on…

Wander the Whitewashed Streets of Ars-en-Re

The towns of Ile de Re are staggeringly yet seemingly effortlessly pretty. While the island capital of Saint-Martin-de-Re is suitably bustling, the whitewashed streets of Ars-en-Re had a peacefulness and solitude even in July.  I saw more people on the cycle paths than meandering through the streets.

Visit the Main Square and Grab a Vino – Ars-en-Re

The square of Place Carnot is naturally a gathering point, with a selection of restaurants and the black-tipped white church of Saint-Etienne. After stepping inside the cooling confines of the ‘eglise’ I enjoyed a glass of white in the sun, at wine bar La Tour du Senechal.

Ars-en-Re Harbour – Comic Shop and Ice Cream

The town’s harbour is a natural gathering point. I grabbed an excellent violet-flavoured ice cream from Les Givres to enjoy in the summer sun. A more niche offering is a very cool comic, manga and book store, but it was such a treasure trove, so take a browse in Le Petite Bouquinerie.

Dine at Le Cafe du Commerce – Ars-en-Re

Also at the harbour, I opted to dine at Le Cafe du Commerce because it’s got views over the water, has an extensive quality menu, and is attractive inside and out. The interior boasts a Tiffany window and a bar shipped over from Boston, which apparently includes a bullet hole!

Galleries in Ars-en-Re

With several art galleries dotted around Ars-en-Re and exhibitions running in public buildings and private galleries, the town has an artistic bent.

Cycling Ile de Re from Ars-en-Re

Ile de Re is synonymous with cycling, with miles of car free cycle paths used by all ages for commuting, exercise and leisure. You can cycle from any town but I recommend picking up bikes in Ars-en-Re to follow a scenic circular route, we rented ours from Les Cycles N for €42 for a half day for a family of four, but there are bike rental shops peppered across town. We also received a handy map. From Ars-en-Re we cycled through town, down past the harbour, following the clearly signposted cycle path till we reached the Lighthouse of the Whales, or Phare des Baleines. 

Lighthouse or Phare des Baleines

The 57-metre tall Lighthouse of the Whales is a tourist attraction in its own right, you can pay to visit the museum or ascend the 257-step tower itself, but it’s also a scenic stop with a vast bicycle park to lock up your bike. Browse stalls, dine in a restaurant, grab a drink or ice cream. The island’s famous Martiniere ice cream is here, but we were blown away by the flavour and generous portions at Jf Duport Glaces Gourmet Place.

La Conche Beach

Just a few metres from the lighthouse is the island’s much-loved sandy beach of La Conche. With life guards present in high season, and oodles of golden sand it’s a family friendly option whether you arrive here by bike or not.

Lunch at Les-Portes-en-Re in La Bazenne

Our cycle route carried on through woodlands to the town of Les-Portes-en-Re, a natural lunch pitstop. We had to briefly queue to eat the popular La Bazenne, but as we tucked into oysters and mussels it was worth the wait. I’d advise booking if you’re visiting the restaurant on foot/by car, but as we were cycling I wasn’t confident of our arrival time.

Ile de Re Salt Marshes

The return leg of the loop to Ars-en-Re pedals right through the island’s famous salt marshes. See the salt glistening in the sun, pick some salt up from honesty stalls dotted at the roadside and witness a harvest rich in history and heritage.

Ile de Re Nature Reserve

This route also passes through the Lilleau des Niges nature reserve, renowned for its birdlife. Cycling is a beautiful pace to see nature, from the wildlife to the salt. Finally, pedal back to the tranquil Ars-en-Re.

Stay at Le Senechal

Le Senechal is a boutique hotel with a very calming air, with a small but relaxing heated pool, plus internal courtyards bedecked with flowers and plants where guests meet, read, drink and take in the sun. There are also two lounges, with one serving complimentary tea and coffee each evening. Lofts and houses provide family friendly options, plus there’s a self-contained villa with its own swimming pool. While the hotel doesn’t serve lunch, dinner or alcohol, its central location makes dining out straightforward. Check availability at Le Senechal here. 

Enjoy Ars en Re!

For a full guide of Ile de Re click here.

Read about the island’s capital, Saint-Martin-de-Re here. 

For all our French content browse here.