Sainte-Marie-de-Ré in a few words...
Ste-Marie-de-Ré's economy has long depended on agriculture and more specifically vineyards.
Ste-Marie is the most populous village on Ile de Ré due to its proximity to the port, allowing numerous Ste Marie residents to work on the mainland, in La Rochelle and its surroundings, and to live in the peace of Ile de Ré.
This village unusually has two main squares: Place d’Antioche and La Noue's Place des Tilleuls, where markets are held every summer.
La Noue is more than a hamlet, it's really a village within a village!
It's best to move around Ste Marie by bike, so as not to get lost in the many little streets and alleys lined with hollyhocks, and to explore the local features such as the wine cellars, winemakers, chapels and the Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption church.
You will also notice the tidal fisheries which are fish traps made of stone walls. Covered by the sea at high tide, the little walls trap the fish when the tide goes out. These tidal fisheries are part of the island's heritage. They served a purpose for the population and protected the coast.
Sainte-Marie-de-Ré is also the meeting spot for surfers who love this wild coast, where competitions are held. Plage des Grenettes beach is renowned amongst sports lovers in search of waves and thrills.
If you love nature and you'd like to discover or rediscover the flora and fauna, take the time to explore the village by following the 8 km '5 paysages' trail, which starts from Port Notre-Dame bay, just next to the thalassotherapy centre. The circuit takes around 2 hours with plenty of fresh air guaranteed.
If you've fallen for the charms of Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, we suggest you stay in one of the holiday homes selected by Artemis Location
Holiday rentals in Ste-Marie-de-Ré
Our selection of restaurants
- Bistrot
Le Bar à quai, 3 cours des Ecoles, La Noue, 17740 Sainte-Marie-de-Ré
Tel : +33.(0)5.46.28.64.36 baraquai.com
- Fresh regional seasonal produce
Restaurant Atalante, rue Port Notre Dame, 17740 Sainte-Marie-de-Ré
Tel. : +33(0)5 46 30 51 48 iledere.relaisthalasso.com
- Crêperie - restaurant
Les Tilleuls, 9 cours des Jarrières, 17740 Sainte-Marie-de-Ré
Tel : +33 (0)5 46 30 02 76 les-tilleuls.metro.rest
- Production and sales of biscuits and Ile de Ré products
Biscuiterie de Ré, Clemorinant, Zac Les Clémorinants, 17740 Sainte-Marie-de-Ré
Tel : +33.(0)5 46 43 89 06 biscuiteriedere.fr
- Artisan brewery
Les Bières de Ré, RD 201, Les Hauts des Peux Bertaud, 17740 Sainte-Marie-de-Ré
Tel. : +33.(0)5 46 43 82 63 or +33.(0)6 99 70 82 63 bieresdere.fr
- Salt producer
Le comptoir des Pertuis, atelier Dazelle n°4, 2 bis rue Chantecorps, La Noue, 17740 Sainte-Marie-de-Ré
Tel. : +33.(0)5 46 27 20 81 lecomptoirdespertuis
Activities and leisure
- Bicycle hire,
Cyclo Surf, 2 shops for your convenience, one near Place d'Antioche and the other near Place des Tilleuls
26 rue du 14 juillet, 17740 Ste-Marie-de-Ré Tel. : +33(0)5 46 30 19 51 cyclo-surf.com
9 bis cours des Jarrières, La Noue, 17740 Sainte-Marie de Ré Tel. : +33 (0)5 46 30 27 40 cyclo-surf.com
Our preferred partner in Sainte-Marie-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.
Tourist and heritage attractions
- Information on biodiversity and exploring the natural and built heritage of Ile de Ré
l'A.N.C.R.E Maritaise (Arts Nature Culture Recherche Ecluses) -
4 associations together, ADEPIR, Ré Nature Environnement, les Tardigrades and LPO
63 cours des Jarrières, 17740 Ste-Marie-de-Ré
Tel : +33(0)5 46 55 41 38 ancremaritaise
- Covered walkway with views of Ste-Marie-de-Ré village and the ocean
Church bell tower, Place Eudes d'Aquitaine, 17740 Sainte-Marie-de-Ré
Tel : +33 (0)5 46 30 22 92 (Sainte-Marie-de-Ré tourist information) ClocherSteMariedere
Events
Useful information
If you're planning to come by car, we have researched the free and chargeable parking available in Sainte-Marie-de-Ré