Visit La Couarde-sur-Mer, 8 km from the campsite
Less than 15 minutes from Île Blanche campsite, La Couarde-sur-Mer is one of holidaymakers’ favorite stops on Île de Ré. With its eight fine sandy beaches, a village with flowery alleys, a nautical base, salt marshes, and a lively market, this seaside resort in the heart of the island concentrates all the charm of Ré la Blanche. Reach it by bike using the safe cycling paths starting from the campsite.
WHAT TO DO IN LA COUARDE-SUR-MER?
Are you on vacation on Île de Ré? Welcome to La Couarde-sur-Mer, a seaside resort on Île de Ré that appeals to both nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy walks right along the water’s edge on the fine sandy beaches of the Atlantic coast in the Charente-Maritime department.
If you’d like to enjoy the many bike paths and unique scenery of Île de Ré, our campground near La Couarde-sur-Mer offers bike rentals and all the necessary accessories.
A beautiful twenty-minute ride (about ten by car) through the island’s fields and villages will take you to La Couarde-sur-Mer. There, you can visit monuments, stroll through preserved nature, or relax on one of the eight fine sandy beaches.
THE BEACHES OF LA COUARDE ON ÎLE DE RÉ
La Couarde-sur-Mer boasts no less than eight beaches, each as beautiful as the next. La Plage des Prises and Plage de Folies are must-sees if you want to enjoy swimming and seaside activities.
Jet-skiing, foot fishing, sailing, water skiing, and kite-surfing are some of the activities you can enjoy. Those who love to relax can bask on the superb beaches.
Plage de la Pergola, on the other hand, is a true paradise for surfers with its internationally renowned surf spot. You can also admire their beauty by walking along the dunes lined with pines and tamarisk trees nearby.
DISCOVER THE VILLAGE OF LA COUARDE-SUR-MER
La Couarde-sur-Mer is a charming little seaside resort, located right in the middle of Île de Ré. While the village opens onto the south coast, its port opens onto the north coast. We particularly appreciate its preserved natural environment, breathtaking landscapes, and immense golden sandy beaches.
It also offers a wide range of activities for all ages. Whether you are a beach fan or an outdoor activities enthusiast, you will appreciate La Couarde-sur-Mer.
It makes for a beautiful destination to discover for a day with the family. This Rhétais village particularly delights summer visitors.
As soon as the warm weather arrives, the town comes alive with outdoor concerts and shows, especially around its bandstand, to entertain visitors. The rest of the year still holds plenty of wonderful discoveries. This magnificent village is located 7.5 km from the campground on the Île de Ré, also known as the Île Blanche, on the Atlantic coast.
You can take advantage of your stay at this establishment to visit La Couarde-sur-Mer, less than 15 minutes away.
In addition, the village enjoys a prime location, right at the heart of all the bike paths, making it easy to explore the most beautiful corners of Île de Ré by bike (see our Île de Ré bike rental page) or on foot.
There, you will have the opportunity to taste delicious oysters straight from the Atlantic Ocean.
CULTURE AND HERITAGE IN LA COUARDE-SUR-MER
The labyrinth of flowery alleys gives La Couarde-sur-Mer a unique charm. Welcoming visitors in a preserved natural setting, the village is a good starting point for bike rides.
Those heading north will discover, among other things, the nautical base and its two hectares of water, where one can safely learn to sail.
A pivotal village on Île de Ré, La Couarde-sur-Mer is also appreciated for the richness of its historical and cultural heritage.
Besides the remains of mills, the village features old residences such as Les Marattes, Les Prises, or La Davière.
These former residences, in particular, bear witness to the boom in the local economy thanks to the cultivation of vines and salt marshes.
Oyster farming also contributes to strengthening this economy. This activity develops particularly on the wide intertidal zones of Fosse-de-Loix and Anse du Martray.
THE MUST-SEES OF LA COUARDE-SUR-MER
Nestled in a preserved natural setting and bordered by more than 5 km of fine sandy beaches, La Couarde-sur-Mer surprises with its beauty and authenticity. It houses remarkable monuments that you can easily discover during your stay on Île de Ré.
Starting with the bandstand at the foot of its church, the neo-Gothic church in the village square, the picturesque port of the Goisil channel, or La Maline.
The parks and gardens are to be discovered along its labyrinth of flowery alleys. Take advantage of your visit to discover the art workshops, local product shops, the market, and the sundials.
On the nature side, the village of La Couarde-sur-Mer will charm you with its magnificent landscapes blending salt marshes, wetlands, vineyards, and maritime pine forests. A hike or bike ride will lead you to discover thousands of migratory birds.
RESTAURANTS LA COUARDE-SUR-MER
Have you just caught your first waves surfing, kitesurfing, or windsurfing?
It’s time to eat in La Couarde.
La Cabane du Feneau
Time for iodized freshness in this restaurant that pays beautiful homage to mussels, oysters, langoustines, and other seafood from the Rhétais coast. A peaceful atmosphere and a preserved setting, in the heart of the salt marshes.
Address: Route de Loix, 17670 La-Couarde-sur-Mer
Phone: 05 46 30 43 68
Price: between €15 and €30
La Rhétaise
Surrounded by salt marshes, you will savor your fresh fish, oysters, mussels marinière, or Rhétais-style clams.
Address: Route de Loix, 17670 La-Couarde-sur-Mer
Phone: 05 46 28 20 64
Price: between €8 and €22
The Beach Café
Brunch, lunch, or dinner: Le Café de la Plage guarantees a friendly atmosphere every day in high season. From tartines to burgers, including cuttlefish, the menu is varied for dining by the beach after a swim or a kitesurfing session.
Address: 28 avenue du Peux Ragot, 17670 La-Couarde-sur-Mer
Phone: 05 46 34 15 38
Price: between €8 and €40
Le Balaou
This cozy spot surprises with its good value for money and tasty dishes.
Address: Avenue de Nouralène, 17670 La-Couarde-sur-Mer
Phone: 05 46 29 86 07
Price: between €16 and €39
La Cale
This restaurant near the beach has a large green and shaded terrace. From traditional steak frites to fresh fish with elegantly arranged vegetables, La Cale’s terrace offers a very pleasant haven of peace.
Address: 23 B avenue du Mail, 17670 La Couarde-sur-Mer
Phone: 05 46 29 91 11
Website: https://la-cale.business.site/
Price: between €15 and €35
VISIT LA COUARDE-SUR-MER BY BIKE
A paradise for windsurfing and kitesurfing, La Couarde-sur-Mer is equipped with several nautical bases offering introductory or advanced courses for adults and children.
Want to reach the village by bike? Take the safe cycling paths that connect L’Île Blanche campsite and La Couarde.
Have you arrived safely? Relax on Plage des Prises or Plage des Folies, then cool off in the Atlantic waters before heading back.
