Loix in a few words...
It is a peninsula within the island, bordered by Fier d’Ars to the west and Fossé de Loix to the east. A single road, across the marshes (and salt marshes) claimed from the sea using seawalls, connects Loix to the rest of the island.
Village life is based around the main square where St Catherine's church can be found, its businesses and its market. It has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
The port of Loix is where you will find the last tidal mill on Ile de Ré, with its delicate wooden walkway.
In the 17th century, the mill was used to make flour. It also served as the connection between Loix island (whose name probably comes from L'oye, which means 'island' in old French) and La Couarde-sur-Mer.
The mill also allowed the channel to be maintained: the excess water from the rising tide is retained. Thus, at low tide, the force of the current of water cleans the port’s access channel. This principle is still used now to flush silt from the port.
You can also admire the marshes and sea shore from the various cycle paths.
Located in Loix, on the edge of the Fier d'Ars, the ecomuseum, open year round, is an exceptional site where you can find out about the history of salt production and Ile de Ré's salt marshes.
If you've fallen for the charms of Loix, we suggest you stay in one of our holiday homes in the neighbouring village of La Couarde-sur-Mer
Our selection of restaurants
- Independent winemaker, organic agriculture
Domaine Arica, Village Agricole Les Simaillauds, 15 Chemin Les Poilvent, 17111 Loix
Tel : +33.(0)6.88.29.94.55 or +33.(0)6.07.64.33.86 domainearica.com
- Beekeeper - Honey producer
L'Abeille de Ré, Chemin du Corps de garde, 17111 Loix
Tel : +33.(0)5.46.31.06.63 abeilledere.com
- Oyster cabin, organic production of oysters and Japanese tiger prawns
La Cabane du Grouin - Huîtres Voisin, Le Grouin, 17111 Loix
Tel : +33.(0)6.07.15.09.78 lacabanedugrouin.fr
- Restaurant
La Route du Sel, 9 Place de la Mairie, 17111 Loix
Tel. : +33.(0)6.25.18.46.47 laroutedusel.fr
- Bakery and takeaway
La Place des Délices, Place du Marché, 17111 Loix
Tel : +33.(0)5.46.29.06.67
Activities and leisure
- Multi activities: bicycle hire, flight experiences, electric quads, swimming classes...
Planète Sports et Loisirs, Village artisanal 17111 Loix
Tel. : +33.(0)5.46.29.66.71 planete-sports-loisirs.com
- Canoe trips
Canoë Salé, Place du marché, 17111 Loix
Tel. : +33.(0)6.95.08.50.86 ilederecanoe.com
- Voltige and horseback performance school
Ardevac - Horseback circus school, 34 rue de Genêve, 17111 Loix
Tel. : +33.(0)6.85.07.22.15 ardevac.net
- Stables
Les écuries de Loix, Route de Loix, Lieu dit Les Simaillauds 17111 Loix
Tel. : +33.(0)6.28.27.92.76
- Tennis and squash
Loix Tennis Couardais, Chemin du Corps de Garde, Village Artisanal, 17111 Loix
Tel. : + 33.(0)5.46.28.41.18 squash-iledere.fr tennisiledere.fr/clubs/loix
Heritage and tourist attractions
- Visit and discovery of the salt marshes
Ecomusée du Marais Salant, route RD 102, 17111 Loix
Tel : + 33.(0)5.46.29.06.77 marais-salant.com
- Conservation, restoration and bookbinding of old objects
Atelier Quillet, 7 chemin du Corps de Garde, 17111 Loix
Tel : +33.(0)5.46.29.04.25 quillet.fr
Shopping and businesses
- Workshop and artisan production of Ile de Ré donkey milk soap
Loix & Savons, Village Artisanal, Chemin du Corps de Garde, 17111 Loix,
Tel. : +33.(0)5.46.67.74.65 savonneriedere.fr