The 42-meter-high black-and-white bell tower of Église Saint-Étienne is more than a distinctive landmark: As a navigation aid, it guides boats into the bay of Fier d’Ars and the harbor entrance channel. Ars-en-Ré is where architectural history, the harbor and maritime navigation come together.
Salt History and Architecture
The salt refinery in Ars-en-Ré was founded in 1817 by salt merchant Benjamin Dubois-Fontaine. Its original purpose was to remove earthy particles from the salt and bleach it. Facing the salt marshes, the refinery shapes the harbor scene. It recalls an essential activity that revived the salt trade in Ars in the 19th century.
Église Saint-Étienne also tells the story of several construction phases: pre-Romanesque, Romanesque and Gothic elements are united in a continuous structure. Those interested in the town’s salt heritage can plan the 1-hour-and-15-minute walk The Secrets of the Salt Heritage of Ars-en-Ré around the harbor. It focuses on a different subject than a visit to the church: here, the history of salt production takes center stage.
Harbor and Landscape
The Port d’Ars-en-Ré is located in Fier, close to Ars-en-Ré. The natural area there provides refuge for thousands of birds. The natural attraction Marais et Fier d’Ars brings together marshes, salt marshes and a bay. Visitors encounter these landscape features on the walks and activities offered around salt as well.
Access for boats to the La Prée and La Criée basins depends on the tidal coefficient and the draft of each boat. Anyone wishing to enter these basins should take both conditions into account when planning.
Walking and Cycling Routes
The Ars-en-Ré tourist office offers a map featuring three walks: one along the coast, one through the historic town center and one through the salt marshes. Another option is the Accessible Walk in Ars-en-Ré. It runs along the Chenal d’Ars on a wide, paved and completely flat path; along the way, there are views of the harbor and salt marshes. The tour has been awarded the Tourisme & Handicap certification; the certification may be reviewed in the future.
The Gourmet Cycling Route in the North of the Island is a 17.1-kilometer circular route. If the route changes, its length may change too. The combined circular route Combined Circuit: Salt Marsh and Oyster Farmer’s Hut – The Gourmet Secrets of the Marshes has a different focus: Cycle along paths through the salt marshes to learn about salt production and oyster farming. To finish, enjoy oysters with artisan-made salt.
Depending on the time of year, the market is held either in the church square or at the harbor. Check the municipality’s current schedule before your visit. You can also buy salt at the Coopérative des Sauniers.
Water Sports and Nature Experiences
The École de voile du Cercle Nautique d’Ars-en-Ré offers sailing courses and equipment rental from March to the end of November; this period may vary from year to year. On Fier d’Ars, activities include catamarans, dinghies, windsurfing boards, wingfoiling, foiling dinghies and paddleboards. Availability may vary by season. Before planning, check which activities are scheduled for your dates.
At Discovering Shore Fishing with Pascal, visitors learn to identify and gather shellfish and crustaceans at Côte Sauvage. The activity promotes an approach that takes the environment and resources into account. It is available by prior appointment only.
Discover more destinations: Sonnac, Périgny, Saint-Césaire, Talmont, Contré, Luchat, Matha, Saint-Coutant-le-Grand.
For the overview of the wider region: Charente-Maritime.
