Conche-des-Baleines beach
Located just 100 m from our campsite in the north of theIle-de-Ré, the Conche des Baleines beach is without doubt the most beautiful beach on Ré. Bordered by the dune and the Lizay forest, this long stretch of fine sand stretches for almost three kilometers, from the Phare des Baleines to the village of Les Portes-en-Ré. A family beach par excellence, it lends itself to every kind of activity: swimming, lazing about, water sports, strolling along the seafront... there's something for everyone.
Visits and events at Fort de la Prée
Discover the history of this 17th-century fortress, which has so much to tell, on a self-guided or guided tour.
From the bastions of the ramparts to the powder magazine and the blockhouses built by the Germans during the Second World War, the fort's walls hold many secrets. To find out more, simply follow the guide through the various rooms and exhibitions devoted to the history of the fort, the military architecture of the Charentais forts and the daily life of the Rétais people under the German occupation.
If you're spending your camping vacation with the kids, don't miss the exhibition devoted to the King's Musketeers. You're sure to be a hit! Young and old alike will be invited to don a musketeer's costume and fight a sword duel! It's sure to make your visit a lot more fun and less time-consuming for the kids!
La Conche-des-Baleines beach: a "real" beach with waves
And waves mean water sports! In July and August, the "Point Plage"(Cercle Nautique d'Ars-en-Ré) takes up its summer quarters on the "Diamond Head" spot at the foot of the Phare des Baleines lighthouse. Here you can practice the water sport of your choice: kitesurfing, surfing, windsurfing, stand-up paddling, sea kayaking, catamaran sailing, dinghy sailing... You can also rent equipment, take an introductory course or take a private lesson. Ready to take to the water?
A beach engraved in the annals of Hollywood
The last remnants of the blockhouses built by the Germans during the Second World War have recently disappeared from the Conche-des-Baleines beach. They were destroyed to stem the accelerating currents that swept the sand away, thus protecting the coastline.
But did you know that these bunkers were used as sets for certain scenes in the legendary 1961 film "The Longest Day"? Director Darryl Zanuck found the natural light on the Île-de-Ré much more interesting than in Normandy. Omaha Beach notwithstanding... A passageway was dug to access the Conche beach, now known as the "Pas Zanuck", named after the filmmaker!
