At a glance
Take in the beauty of Saint-Martin-de-Ré from above.
Climb to the top of the bell tower for a truly magnificent view of the village!
Vue du clocher de Saint-Martin
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Taking in the sights at Saint-Martin-de-Ré
Saint-Martin’s harbour, narrow streets and Vauban fortifications are an invitation to step back in time. The church is an adventure in itself. From the top of its 117 steps, the bell tower offers a unique panoramic view of the fortified village.
The summit of Saint-Martin-de-Ré unveils the magical universe and rich heritage of the Vauban fortifications, where gargoyles and statues converse in silence. It is one of the best viewpoints in the entire destination.
If you also go to the top of the Phare des Baleines lighthouse (Saint-Clément-des-Baleines) during your stay, you can decide for yourself which has the most impressive view!
View Bell tower Observatoire Saint Martin Ile De Re Alizee Russeil
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Vue Mer Depuis Clocher Observatoire Saint Martin Ile De Re Alizee Russeil
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Where to begin your visit
Saint-Martin-de-Ré church was destroyed and rebuilt time and time again.
Start by walking around the church to get a feel for its remarkable dimensions. Then enter to soak up its impressive atmosphere. Finally, climb to the top of the bell tower, which dates from when the church was fortified.
On your way to the top, you will see the three bells and the mechanism that makes them work, maybe even as they are ringing. When you reach the top of the bell tower, the view will take your breath away!
Did you know?
In 1696, angry at their renewed failure to conquer the village, an Anglo-Dutch fleet fired on one of the only things visible from the sea: the bell tower.
An enchanting bell tower at all times of day
Visit the bell tower whenever you like during the day. The light is often well-balanced, making it possible to take beautiful photographs from an exceptional viewpoint.
Add a touch of magic to your view of the horizon by visiting at sunset when the light takes on a warm orange hue. Enjoy the enchanting spectacle from this impressive viewpoint. Try visiting at night too, with the lights of Saint-Martin-de-Ré sparkling below!
Prepare your visit
The churches of Île de Ré
There are nine other churches to visit on Île de Ré:
- Rivedoux-Plage church: the most modern of the island’s churches, with contemporary and traditional elements.
- Sainte-Marie-de-Ré church: an impressive church, with a bell tower that can be visited in the summer.
- La Flotte church: with listed stained-glass windows and a bell given to the village by Cardinal Richelieu.
- Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré church: an unusually-shaped church due to its location within an already-developed urban area.
- La Couarde-sur-Mer church: with a blue starry ceiling and a surprising inscription above its entrance.
- Loix church: with an inscription above the entrance that can be disconcerting.
- Ars-en-Ré church: with a unique two-tone black-and-white steeple.
- Saint-Clément-des-Baleines church: originally built illegally, with remarkable ex-voto offerings.
- Les Portes-en-Ré church: a charming, whitewashed church.
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