Saint-Martin-de-Ré in a few words...
Saint-Martin-de-Ré is an absolute must-visit for anyone visiting Ile de Ré whether it's just for the day or a whole week.
You'll fall for the charm of its port, where residents, tourists, yachtsmen and fishermen come together… where you can admire the surroundings, over a drink at one of the many restaurant terraces, or while strolling along the ramparts.
Saint-Martin is a real showcase of Ile de Ré architecture, which can be admired just by walking down the street: la Vinaterie (half-timbered house dating from the 16th century), the Renaissance-style Clerjotte hotel, the citadel, inextricably linked with departures to the penal colonies.
The history of St-Martin-de-Ré, and above all the life of its residents, was deeply affected by the penal colonies. Up until 1938, the city was one of the assembly points for convicts before their departure to New Caledonia or French Guiana. The procession of convicts, for the 2 to 4 annual departures, took place from the citadel to the port. They got into boats, and then boarded the larger ships moored offshore, which could transport up to 670 convicts, La Martinière being one of the most well-known. Amongst these convicts, Louis Dreyfus, Henri Charrier known as Papillon and Guillaume Seznec all spent time in St Martin before their departure.
You'll be charmed by the port with its central island around which the pleasure boats and last fishing boats come to moor. Like in the neighbouring village, La Flotte, the port played an important role in the town's development with the export of salt and wine, and the import of wood for heating and building, and cereals.
St Martin is known for its fortifications built by Vauban between 1681 and 1685, but also for its citadel. The aim was to house the troops, the population (17,000 inhabitants at the time) and livestock within city walls which could endure 48 days of siege and an attack by over 12,000 men. This vast enclosure in the shape of a star is accessible from La Couarde, via the Porte des Campani, and from La Flotte, via the Porte de Toiras
To better admire the view, you can go to the top of the church's bell tower which offers views over Vauban's magnificent star, and also across the island... and the sunset at the end of the day. For young and old alike, a visit to Barbette park is not to be missed: the donkeys in trousers, Ile de Ré's mascots, guarantee some fun and funny moments with family or friends.
If you've fallen for the charms of Saint-Martin-de-Ré village, we suggest you stay in one of the holiday homes selected by our agency, Artemis Location.
Holiday rentals in St-Martin-de-Ré
Our selection of restaurants
- Fish and seafood
Ben-Hur oyster chariot, Parc de la Barbette, Avenue Victor Bouthillier, 17410 Saint-Martin-de-Ré
Tel : +33 (0)6 99 21 20 73 BenHurCharahuitres
· Oyster cabin, tours and tasting
Ré Ostréa, Chemin du Vert Clos, 17410 Saint-Martin-de-Ré
Tel : +33 (0)6 63 91 80 19 reostrea
- Bistro - Restaurant - Bar
Le Bistrot du Marin, 10 quai Nicolas Baudin, 17410 Saint-Martin-de-Ré
Tel : +33 (0)5 46 68 74 66 bistrotdumarin
La Cible, Plage de la Cible, Avenue de la Plage, 17410 Saint-Martin-de-Ré
Tel : +33 (0)5 46 67 38 82 lacible-restaurantbar
Don't miss: Music festival: Village Food Truck, Beach Bar, Fireworks, Concert/DJ
Les Colonnes, 19 quai Job Foran, 17410 Saint-Martin-de-Ré
Tel : +33 (0)5 46 09 21 58 hotellescolonnes.com
Restaurant l'Avant Port, 8 quai Daniel Rivaille, 17410 Saint-Martin-de-Ré
Tel : +33(0)5 46 68 06 68 lavantport.com
- Chocolate maker, tours and tasting
Ile de Ré Chocolats, 15 avenue Philippsburg, 17410 Saint-Martin-de-Ré,
Tel : +33 (0)5 46 09 22 09 iledere-chocolats.com
· Artisan ice cream producer
La Martinière, Le glacier, 17 quai de la Poithevinière, 17410 Saint-Martin-de-Ré / Tel : +33 (0)5 46 09 20 99
L'Atelier, 12 rue de Sully, 17410 Saint-Martin-de-Ré / Tel : +33 (0)5 46 01 84 45
Activities and leisure
- · Bicycle hire
Cyclo Surf, 7 avenue Bouthillier, Clos Vauban, 17410 Saint-Martin-de-Ré
Tel: +33.(0)55 46 09 08 28 cyclo-surf.com
Our preferred partner in Saint-Martin-de-Ré 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.
Yootoo, 9 Avenue Victor Bouthillier, 17410 Saint-Martin-de-Ré
Tel : + 33 (0)5 46 68 08 09 cycles-yootoo.com
- · Boat rides and cruises
Croisières Inter-Iles & Inter-Iles Catamarans, 21 Quai Clémenceau, 17410 Saint-Martin-de-Ré
Tel : + 33 (0)5 46 50 55 54 inter-iles.com
Dream On, Port de St Martin, 17410 Saint-Martin-de-Ré
Tel : +33 (0)7 66 66 02 35 catamaran-dreamon.com
- · Fishing at sea
Fantomas II, Quai Georges Clémenceau, 17410 Saint-Martin-de-Ré
Tel : +33 (0)6 19 60 66 57 fantomasenmer.fr
- · Sailing and nautical sports: wake board, water ski, stand-up paddle, inflatable ride, fishing at sea
Ile de Ré Nautisme Sport, 10 quai de Bernonville, 17410 Saint-Martin-de-Ré
Tel : +33 (0)6 35 90 41 81 iledere-nautisme.com
FFV sailing school, Ile de Ré voile, Plage de La Cible, 17410 Saint-Martin-de-Ré
Tel : +33 (0)6 33 23 51 91 ilederevoile.com
- · Segway tours
Atlantic Gyropode Tel : +33 (0)6 42 49 41 81 atlantic-gyropode.com
- · Pool complex, swimming pool, well-being space
Aquaré, Chemin du Vieux Marais, 17410 Saint-Martin-de-Ré
Tel : +33 (0)5 46 66 10 95 centreaquatiqueaquare.fr
- · Mini golf
Mini golf, Parc de la Barbette, Avenue Victor Bouthillier, 17410 Saint-Martin-de-Ré
Tel : +33 (0)6 28 33 49 80 minigolf
Tourist and heritage attractions
Saint-Martin-de-Ré Fortifications
Guided tour with Destination Ile de Ré - reservation at the offices, 2 Avenue Victor Bouthillier, 17410 Saint-Martin-de-Ré
Tel : +33 (0)5 46 09 00 55 www.iledere.com
Musée Ernest Cognacq - A museum, an Island, a History
The Ernest Cognacq museum consists of a contemporary wing, a French-style garden and a 15th century private mansion.
Hôtel de Clerjotte, 13 Avenue Victor Bouthillier, 17410 Saint-Martin-de-Ré
Tel : +33 (0)5 46 09 21 22 musee-ernest-cognacq.fr
Church and bell tower viewpoint St-Martin-de-Ré
Not to be missed! An exceptional view over Saint-Martin-de-Ré, its fortifications, its port, the sea, and the surrounding villages
Place Eudes d'Aquitaine, 17410 Saint-Martin-de-Ré
Tel : +33 (0)9 67 61 51 44 clocherobservatoire
Events
- Musique en Ré music festival: from 25th July to 8th August 2024
On the programme are 16 concerts, including 6 free open-air concerts, 5 symphony church concerts, 5 chamber music recitals, and 1 symphony concert for a young audience, telling the story of "The Little Prince" by Antoine de St-Exupéry with music by Marc-Olivier DUPIN and projection of original drawings by Joann Sfar.
Some of classical music's major works will be performed: Mozart's Symphony n°35, Haydn's Symphony n° 45 - "Farewell symphony", Lalo's Spanish symphony, Elgar's Concerto for cello, Debussy's "La Mer"
An outdoor evening of opera will take place in St Martin de Ré, with Mozart's masterpiece "Don Giovanni" on the programme.
These concerts will once again bring together great musicians, great soloists and conductors... accompanied by the Musique en Ré symphony orchestra.
Contact : Tel : +33.(0)6 800 77 420 - Tel : +33.(0)6 82 03 95 21 Musique en Ré
- La fête de la mer - Festival of the sea: 15th August 2024
Programme for the day:
Morning mass for sailors at Saint-Martin church, tossing of sheaves into the sea
From 10.00 to 18.00: Diving taster sessions offered by "Nautilus Plongée Ile de Ré", free for young people and teenagers from 12 years upwards in a mobile seawater pool near the port (equipment provided).
From 12.30 to 20.30: Onsite dining: Oyster tasting/Tuna cooked on a plancha/Grilled sausages Evening - 23.00: Fireworks on the port
Location: Port Quai des Torpilleurs - 17410 Saint-Martin-de-Ré
Contact : Tel: +33.(0)5 46 09 20 06 mairie@17410.fr Mairie de St-Martin-de-Ré
- Shellfish festival: 28th September 2024
The CNM (St Martin Nautical Circle), in partnership with the St Martin town hall and this year with the support of the Municipality of Ile de Ré, will organise the 14th St Martin Shellfish Festival from 12.00 to 23.00 on Saturday 28th September, with the participation of the St Martin Social Works Committee, the Bois-Plage Community Centre, the Ile de Ré Oyster Cooperative, producers making donations, and with an ever-increasing number of partners (business and trades). Some 80 volunteers will contribute to the festival's success with the usual stands offering oyster and shellfish tasting (mussels, cockles, scallops) and fries. This festival brings together over 2,500 people at St Martin's port in a party atmosphere. As in previous years, Michel Lardeux will be master of ceremonies for the day, he'll introduce the many artists who are due to perform, and preside over the drawing of the tombola. Two musical groups will parade through the streets of St Martin, the Brazilian drummers LA BATALA BATUCADA and the ADLIBITUM Band. In the evening, Chris DJ will get the crowd singing and dancing, a crowd that gets bigger every year.
Location: Passage de l'Ilot du Port - 17410 Saint-Martin-de-Ré
Contact : Tel : +33.(0)6 50 94 97 15 philippe.caruel@gmail.com Cercle Nautique Martinais
Useful information
If you're planning to come by car, we have researched the free and chargeable parking available in Saint-Martin-de-Ré