IR, location
by Norali
This would be the only scanned postcard in my pages. I found it important to locate Ile de Ré.
It is a small group of islands that is linked to La Rochelle mainland thanks to a bridge. The bridge is 3 km long and was built in 1988. The bridge is built from the trading port of La Pallice. I drew in fuschia pink the link between the two regions. Enlarge the pic to see it.
The islands that are linked to each other are Ré, Loix, Ars-en-Ré and Les Portes.
L' île de Ré is rather small with its 32 km length and 5 km width. At some points, it can be of only 100 m width (Martray area for instance). L'île de Ré is edged with sandy beaches to the southwest, salt marshes and oyster beds to the northeast.
Villages that spread out on each side of the coast have one thing in common: the narrowness of their streets. Those alleys go through the villages, the residential areas.
A bit cliché but it's still the white walls and green shutters as well as this bright light.
Some charming white houses with light green shutters and windows. Also, they have this particular plant in those alleys: the hollyhock. Most of time, some hollyhock plants are the only ornaments in front of those white walls given the narrowness of the alleys. For me, this is the charm of "urban" Ile de Ré. For that reason, bicycle seems to be the most appropriate transportation means while browsing those alleys.
As for the beach side, desert beach if you go there during low seasons.
I loved the pinewood forests too. They are, on Ile de Ré, really protected. I know people who bought plots of land on which are pinetrees, grass. They can't build house there, either even camp there. The only thing they can do is pick-nicking... but auhtoritiesare very strict about preserving this foliage and greenery.
Also, unbelievable and really atmospheric: l'abbaye des Châteliers...
My stay in Ile de Ré was very short, one day.. but I ensure you it was delightful. The archipelago is small enough to be browsed in few times. Yet, I would recommend some days to taste local life in those villages, to have excursions in salty marshes, to visit wineries, to lay on desert beach (on low season), to try green oysters.... Many things for pampering, relaxing, some sport (cycling, hiking, swimming, beach activties incamping sites.
Above all, walk along the beach, or go there with a book and enjoy calm, serenity.
More of Saint-Martin portes ?
by Norali
Probably time to tell you about the whole military architecture in Saint-martin.
The portes, Toiras and des Campani, were in fact the entries to the territory in the past. They are part of fortifications that had been built centuries ago. Because he knew about the English authorities' intention to invade La Rochelle or Rochefort from Ile de Ré, Louis XIV decided in 17 century to strengthen the forts and remparts on the island. Vauban was then in charge of this mission. However, because it would have taken 70 km to fortify the whole island, it was decided to fortify Saint-Martin en Ré only. Still, some 12 kms to build.
Works began in June 1681. Supervision by engineer Augier, following the plans drawn by Vauban and Ferry. Ending in 1692. Thousands of persons were reported to have participated in the works.
Only when you look at a detailled plan of St-Martin military architecture, you can see the enclosure walls, the forts. I only saw the portes when touring St-Martin... not the forts. The portes are the sure sign of evidence of their presence. Here, you have the semi-circular areas in front of the gates.
Also, don't miss the citadel, part of the fortifications Vauban and clique undertook. In fatc, you would surely miss it... It is a place not to visit. Even, you wouldn't notice it from the road. My cousin showed it to me, as a prison... but it sure served as a place where to gather convicts who were to be sent to Guyane and Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Seems that guided tours are possible, better contact Office du tourisme de Saint-Martin de Ré: + 33 (0)5.46.09.20.06 (phone) OR
ot.st.martin@wanadoo.fr
OK, you may check this too (in French):
http://www.saint-martin-de-re.fr/index.php
VAUBAN: Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban (1633-1707) was Commissaire général des fortifications under the reign of Louis XIV. He was a military engineer.
OK.. this link wouldn't help you unless you speak French but it does interest me... so I keep it here: http://echo.levillage.org/205/3176.cbb
And even, in case, you read French, you may not be interested in knowing about Vauban at all. Oh well! I am interested in it, so....
Your bike to cycle under the sun
by Norali
swimwear, hats High SPF lotions For camping, check, for instance Interludes website (accomodation tip) to know what they offer, what they don't ! Your bikes.. unless you plan to hire some on the island.
St Martin - the capital...
by Lilasel
The capital town of the Île de Ré is St-Martin de Ré, a fishing port on the north of the island with stone quays and the ubiquitous white houses. The village is surrounded by Vauban’s 17th-century fortifications, rebuilt after the Duke of Buckingham’s unsuccessful attempt to capture the island in 1627.
The salty marshes
by Norali
Something you should do when in IR is to visit the salty marshes. Lots of products are extracted from the area, not only salt but also saltwort. Oyster farms are not far from the salty marsh either. But this is another activity.
You can visit the marshes, on foot or by bike. A nice itinerary in the middle of then marshes. At the one we visited, there was a kind of museum of salt. Video explained how salt collecting had evolved. In the room, some apparels, tools that the sauniers used to collect salt, were exhibited. Of course, the guided visit of the salty marshes, the steps in salt collecting, the whole job, is not free but if I recall it well, you can have some walk without guide.
It was interesting to see how hard were conditions sometimes, but also, how they managed to enhance those tools and techniques. For me, the most interesting part was the walks, off course
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les ânes en culottes
Le port, le phare
Fortifications, St Martin, Île de Ré
Harbour, St-Martin, Île de Ré
