Hotels in Saint-Martin-de-Ré

Saint-Martin-de-Ré: Fortified Port on the Île de Ré

Saint-Martin-de-Ré is the main town of Île de Ré, a 30 km-long Atlantic island connected to La Rochelle by a 3 km toll bridge opened in 1988. The town's star-shaped citadel, designed by Vauban in 1681 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, still rings the old harbour where fishing boats and sailing yachts share quayside space. Whitewashed houses with blue-shuttered windows line the interior streets, and the covered Marché de Saint-Martin draws locals year-round for oysters farmed in the island's salt marshes.

Where to Stay

Hotels cluster inside and just outside the Vauban citadel walls, within walking distance of the port. A smaller number of properties sit along the Route du Phare, closer to the cycle paths that cross the island's vineyards and salt flats. Summer occupancy peaks sharply in July–August, when the island's population swells from roughly 3,000 to over 100,000 visitors.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Drive or take a bus from La Rochelle rail station; the bridge toll applies per vehicle.
• Cycling: Rent bikes at the port — over 100 km of marked cycle routes cover the island.
• Season: Book well ahead for July–August; spring and September offer calmer conditions and lower rates.