Port de Saint-Martin-de-Ré France
A picturesque harbor village on Île de Ré, France, known for its colorful boats, charming streets, and lively atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Port de Saint-Martin-de-Ré France
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque harbor village on Île de Ré, France, known for its colorful boats, charming streets, and lively atmosphere.
"One of my favorite places in France. This port is one of the most beautiful in France."
Book Dinner Reservations
Popular restaurants fill up fast, especially before 9 PM. Make reservations to secure your spot! :knifeforkplate:
Embrace Bike Exploration
Rent a bike to explore the island's scenic routes and hidden beaches. It's the best way to see everything! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Picturesque Port
Port de Saint-Martin-de-Ré
A postcard-perfect harbor with colorful boats, charming architecture, and a lively atmosphere. A true gem of the Atlantic coast.
Charming Village Streets
Saint-Martin-de-Ré village
Wander through flower-lined cobblestone streets, discover unique boutiques, and soak in the authentic French coastal charm.
Local Market Delights
Saint-Martin-de-Ré market
Experience the vibrant local market, a perfect spot for fresh produce, regional specialties, and delicious seafood like oysters.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Summer Crowds & Costs
Navigating the Island
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Dinner Reservations
Popular restaurants fill up fast, especially before 9 PM. Make reservations to secure your spot! :knifeforkplate:
Embrace Bike Exploration
Rent a bike to explore the island's scenic routes and hidden beaches. It's the best way to see everything! :athletic_shoe:
Market Day Treasures
Visit the local market for fresh seafood, produce, and unique souvenirs. A true taste of the island! :shopping_bags:
Budget-Savvy Market Eats
Cut costs by enjoying meals from the market, like baguettes and fresh seafood. :euro:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Dinner Reservations
Popular restaurants fill up fast, especially before 9 PM. Make reservations to secure your spot! :knifeforkplate:
Embrace Bike Exploration
Rent a bike to explore the island's scenic routes and hidden beaches. It's the best way to see everything! :athletic_shoe:
Market Day Treasures
Visit the local market for fresh seafood, produce, and unique souvenirs. A true taste of the island! :shopping_bags:
Budget-Savvy Market Eats
Cut costs by enjoying meals from the market, like baguettes and fresh seafood. :euro:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the picturesque port and charming village, calling it one of France's most beautiful harbors. The atmosphere, shops, and restaurants are frequently praised. However, some find it quite expensive and very crowded during the summer months, with day-trippers adding to the bustle.
"Ile De Re is a beautiful but busy port . Hordes of tourists in the summer months . Boats come and go as do day trippers . It is expensive here - something I don’t particularly care for given I am a seasoned traveller . You can cut costs by heading to the market . There is a nice cafe where you can have salmon, prawns and oysters . There is also a baguette place .
Well worth a visit and was on my hit list ."
Minnie L
"Charming village with small boutiques and good restaurants with reasonably priced hotels"
Dawood Ghalaieny
"One of my favorite places in France. It is only 3.5h drive from our house so we go there very often. This year we have been here almost every month. This port is one of the most beautiful port in France. Small, charming, and the colors of the village are just sublime. It does take a very experienced and skillful captain to be able to navigate and dock inside this small port. There are tons of restaurants and boutiques all over the island and especially here in St Martin. A perfect paradise to spend the summer."
Wendy M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way to reach Port de Saint-Martin-de-Ré is by car, as it's located on the Île de Ré. You can drive across the bridge from La Rochelle. Alternatively, you can take a bus from La Rochelle to Saint-Martin-de-Ré. Many visitors also choose to rent bicycles upon arrival to explore the island.
Parking is available near the port, but it can be very challenging to find a spot, especially during peak summer months. Arrive early or consider parking a bit further out and walking.
Yes, you can take a bus from La Rochelle to Saint-Martin-de-Ré. The bus service connects the main towns on the island.
Bicycles are highly recommended for exploring the island. There are many bike rental shops, and dedicated cycle paths make it easy and enjoyable. Cars are also an option, but parking can be difficult in popular areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit the port area itself. It's a public space for walking, dining, and enjoying the scenery.
The port is always accessible as it's a public harbor. However, shops and restaurants have their own operating hours, typically from morning to late evening, especially during tourist season.
There are no entrance fees to enter the village of Saint-Martin-de-Ré. You are free to wander its streets and enjoy its atmosphere.
To avoid the largest crowds, aim for the shoulder seasons of spring (April-June) or autumn (September-October). If visiting in summer, try to go on weekdays or early in the morning.
Saint-Martin-de-Ré can be expensive, particularly in the summer months. Dining and accommodation prices are higher than in less touristy areas. Visiting the market can help save money on food.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The port is lined with numerous restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, from fresh seafood to traditional French dishes. You'll also find cafes and creperies. 
While some restaurants can be pricey, you can find more affordable options by visiting the local market for fresh produce, oysters, and baguettes.
Yes, it's highly recommended to make dinner reservations, especially if you want to eat before 9 PM during the busy season.
Don't miss the fresh oysters, locally caught seafood, and regional pastries. The market is a great place to sample these.
Yes, there are several charming cafes around the port perfect for breakfast or a mid-day snack, often with lovely views of the boats.
📸 📸 Photography
The port itself is incredibly photogenic with its colorful boats and historic buildings. Wander the charming streets for picturesque scenes, and capture the flower-draped houses.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful light for capturing the port and village. Midday can be harsh, but the vibrant colors of the buildings still make for great shots.
The iconic view is the harbor filled with sailboats. The historic ramparts and the citadel also offer interesting photographic opportunities.
A standard zoom lens is versatile for capturing both wide harbor shots and street details. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the narrow streets. Don't forget your phone for quick snaps!
Absolutely! The boats are a central part of the port's charm. Be respectful of private vessels and any mooring restrictions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting the local market for a sensory experience, where kids can see and taste fresh produce. While the port can get busy, finding a spot on the ramparts or a quieter street can offer a more relaxed experience. Pack plenty of sun protection and snacks, as exploring can be tiring for little ones.
💰 Budget Travelers
Opt for accommodations slightly away from the immediate port area, or consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) when prices for lodging and some activities tend to be lower. Exploring the island by bicycle is also a cost-effective way to see the sights, as bike rentals are generally reasonably priced.
couples
+1 Indulge in a delightful dinner at one of the many port-side restaurants, perhaps with a reservation for a table with a view. Consider a sunset bike ride along the coast, followed by a glass of local wine at a cozy cafe. The island's natural beauty and the quaint village streets provide endless opportunities for romantic moments and memorable photos.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of the Port
+1Navigating and docking in this small port requires significant skill from captains, adding to the sense of a working, yet picturesque, harbor. The surrounding village boasts charming streets, unique boutiques, and a lovely market, making it a perfect paradise for a summer visit.
Exploring Île de Ré by Bike
Cycling allows you to experience the island at a slower pace, stopping whenever a beautiful view or a quaint spot catches your eye. You can easily reach other villages like La Flotte-en-Ré, known for its medieval market, or explore the salt marshes and pine forests that dot the island. It's an active and immersive way to experience the natural beauty and local life of the region.
Culinary Delights and Market Visits
Here, you can find an abundance of fresh produce, regional cheeses, and, of course, the famous oysters of the region. While dining at the port-side restaurants can be a treat, it can also be on the pricier side, especially during peak season. Savvy travelers suggest that visiting the market can be a more budget-friendly way to enjoy delicious local food. Grabbing a fresh baguette, some local cheese, and perhaps some prawns or oysters from the market stalls can make for a perfect picnic or a cost-effective meal.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit