Saint-Martin-de-Ré
Saint-Martin-de-Ré is a charming village, recognizable by its port and its 14 km of star-shaped ramparts. It's a must-see on theIle de Ré for its strolls through flower-filled alleyways and its history.
Saint-Martin-de-Ré's architectural, military and historical heritage
Fortifications of Saint-Martin-de-Ré
The ramparts of Saint-Martin-de-Ré were built by Vauban, an engineer commissioned by Louis XIV, to protect the town from attack by sea. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these 8-metre-high fortifications are open to the public for guided or self-guided tours. On a clear day, visitors can enjoy a magnificent view of theArs-en-Ré bell tower and the Whale Lighthouse.
The Citadel of Saint-Martin-de-Ré
Built at the end of the 17th century, the citadel of Saint-Martin-de-Ré was originally intended to protect the Île de Ré following the siege of La Rochelle. It wasn't until the French Revolution, however, that the citadel became an assembly point for convicts bound for French Guiana and New Caledonia, and later a prison. Today, its most recent function remains unchanged, making it one of the most important prisons in France.
The Hôtel de Clerjotte and the Ernest Cognacq Museum
The Musée Ernest Cognacq is housed in a building just as historic as the collections it houses, theHôtel Clerjotte, one of the few Renaissance buildings on the island. It retraces the various key eras and facets of the Ile de Ré.
