Ars-en-Ré bell tower | Destination Île de Ré – Official Tourist Office Website

At a glance

Appreciate the splendour of the Ars-en-Ré bell tower and its changing hues that evolve with the sky.

A unique two-tone bell tower

You may already have used this uniquely-coloured bell tower as a landmark to guide you, and you were right to do so.

Towering over 42 metres high, the bell tower of Saint-Étienne church in Ars-en-Ré is a gem of Gothic architecture perched at the top of this equally distinctive church. Its unique colours are a sight to behold, attracting many curious visitors every year.

Go inside the church to admire the art work inspired by its two-tone spire. Learn just how unique this church is, due to its shape and its history.

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Ars bell tower Painting Art Church Jules Serrurier
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Jules Serrurier

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View Bell tower Ars En Re Ile De Re Oceane Di Mascio
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Océane Di Mascio

Take time to discover Ars-en-Ré church

First take in the monument, admiring it from Place Carnot in the centre of Ars-en-Ré. This is a good place to take a photo of the church and its spire.

Then walk to the information panel to the left of the church, and learn about the history of this distinctive Gothic spire.

Head for the central door, the main entrance to the church. Go inside and enjoy exploring the surprises hidden within this church.

Did you know?

Legend has it that the church was built in three stages over a period of almost 500 years! Hence the expression ‘the three churches of Ars’.

A sacred site to rediscover at different times of day

The Ars-en-Ré spire has the particularity of changing in many ways depending on the colour of the sky. Grey skies, for example, bring out its black and white colours!

Sunsets give the spire an almost soothing hue.

For truly unique photos, head to the Ars-en-Ré cemetery and find a steeple-like gravestone, which will add another dimension to the image, while the sky adds the finishing touch of colour.