Forest fires on the Île de Ré: the regulations and guidelines you need to know

Set amongst the ocean, dunes, pine forests and unspoilt natural areas, the Île de Ré boasts a fragile natural heritage that must be protected.

During periods of high or severe risk of forest fires, temporary measures may be put in place by local councils and the relevant authorities to ensure everyone’s safety and to preserve the Île de Ré’s natural areas. You can find the main rules to follow, as well as the municipal by-laws currently in force, here.

Updated on 27 July 2026

Why are restrictions being put in place?

The forests, dunes and natural areas on the Île de Ré can be particularly vulnerable to fire during periods of high temperatures, drought or strong winds.
When the risk level rises, local authorities may take preventative measures such as:

closing certain access points to forests
banning vehicles from entering or parking in certain natural areas
restricting access to certain beaches
banning fires and activities that could cause sparks

These measures help to minimise the risk of fires starting and facilitate the response of the emergency services in the event of an incident.

Restrictions and temporary closures on the Île de Ré

Depending on the level of forest fire risk, local authorities on the Île de Ré may introduce temporary measures to protect residents, visitors and natural areas.

As restrictions may change rapidly depending on weather conditions and the level of fire risk, it is recommended that you check the local by-laws published by the relevant local authorities before going for a walk, a cycle ride or any other activity in the natural areas of Île de Ré.

From Friday 24 July 2026 until further notice

Les Portes-en-Ré

Due to the high risk of fire, several access points near woodland areas have been temporarily closed. This includes, in particular, the access points leading to the beaches of Petit Bec, Lizay, Trousse Chemise and La Barre de Veille, as well as the Sente des Morines.

However, some beaches remain accessible, notably La Saucière, Le Grand Marchais, Le Petit Marchais, L’Anzin (La Chiouse), Gros Jonc, Les Cytons, La Redoute, La Loge, L’Aile du Peu (Les Trois Cailloux), L’Anse du Fourneau and La Patache.

The local council also reminds the public that smoking is prohibited on beaches and in the vicinity of forests and dunes, as is the use of barbecues, recreational fires, the burning of garden waste and any materials likely to cause sparks.

Saint-Clément-des-Baleines

In Saint-Clément-des-Baleines, the risk of fire has led the local council to restrict access to the Lizay forest, particularly via the Couny entrance, for motorised vehicles.
This measure was taken in consultation with the emergency services, the Prefecture and the National Forestry Office.
The local council also reminds the public of the ban on smoking in forests and on beaches, as well as the ban on barbecues, recreational fires, the burning of vegetation and any behaviour likely to cause a fire to start.

Sainte-Marie-de-Ré

Due to a severe risk of forest fire, a local by-law may temporarily prohibit access, movement and parking by pedestrians, cyclists and all motorised and non-motorised vehicles in the woodlands and natural areas of Sainte-Marie-de-Ré.
These measures are designed to minimise the risk of fires starting and to facilitate the work of the emergency services, whilst protecting natural environments that are particularly vulnerable during the summer months.

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Banc Du Bucheron Trousse Chemise Les Portes En Re Jules Serrurier
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Jules Serrurier

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Plage Du Petit Bec Les Portes En Re Ile De Re By Edouard Salmon Skystudio
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Edouard Salmon Skystudio

Rules to follow during periods of forest fire risk

To protect the natural areas of the Île de Ré, several safety rules apply:

No smoking

Smoking is prohibited:

in forests
on the edges of woodland
in the dunes
on all beaches

A cigarette butt that has not been properly extinguished can start a fire in a matter of seconds.

Fires and barbecues are prohibited

Barbecues, campfires and recreational fires are prohibited in natural areas and near wooded areas.

Garden waste and burning

The burning of garden waste is prohibited.

High-risk equipment

The use of equipment or machinery likely to generate sparks may be temporarily prohibited depending on the level of risk.

Everyone must be vigilant

Never throw away:

cigarette ends
matches
flammable objects
rubbish that could start a fire

Protecting our countryside is everyone’s responsibility.

Let’s work together to protect the Île de Ré’s natural areas

The forests, dunes and natural areas are an exceptional asset to the Île de Ré. By adopting the right habits and following safety guidelines, everyone can help to ensure the long-term preservation of this natural heritage for residents, visitors and future generations.

All the information on the Charente-Maritime Prefecture’s website (Link in French)