Ars-en-Ré
In the north of theIle de Ré, in the neighboring commune of Saint-Clément-des-Baleines, the charming village ofArs-en-Ré is just a few kilometers from the campsite.
La Plage, a campsite near Ars-en-Ré
By renting bikes on site or bringing your own, you can get to this "most beautiful villages in France" in less than 20 minutes.
Its seaside location and typical regional architecture have also earned it a place in the Charente-Maritime network of Villages de pierres & d'eau. A visit to Ars-en-Ré is therefore an opportunity to discover emblematic sites such as the port, where you'll find pleasant cafés, the church of Saint-Étienne and the Renaissance-style seneschal's house.
Saint-Étienne church
In the Ars-en-Ré landscape, a curious black-and-white point stands out in the sky, making it easy to identify the church of Saint-Étienne, even from several kilometers away. This 40-metre-high religious edifice is a distinctive feature of Ars-en-Ré, and was once used as a landmark for boats at sea before the island's lighthouses were built.
On closer inspection, you'll see architectural elements that are characteristic of both Romanesque and Gothic styles, despite the number of centuries that separate them. Not surprising, given that the church has undergone several changes and extensions over the centuries, most recently in the 15th century.
Today, the building is listed as a historic monument and is one of the two oldest on the island. Lovers of old stones and history will be able to discover what goes on behind the scenes with a visit to the belfry and admire the breathtaking view over the rooftops of Ars-en-Ré and the surrounding area.
