Walk: Vauban, the Fortifications Walking Trail

Sport
Pedestrian sports
Hiking itinerary

Redoute de Sablanceaux, 17940 Rivedoux-Plage

DepartureRivedoux-Plage
Distance13.1 km
Difference in height51 m
Maximum altitude11 m
Total positive elevation51 m
Total negative elevation-49 m

VAUBAN, THE FORTIFICATIONS WALKING TRAIL

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Come and explore the Vauban fortifications on this route linking Rivedoux-Plage to Saint-Martin-de-Ré via La Flotte!

This route combines culture and leisure, highlighting the island's small heritage sites, and is suitable for experienced hikers as well as walking enthusiasts. The Redoute de Rivedoux-Plage is a military building constructed in the 17th century to block the entrance to the island in the event of an invasion. A bit of history... This 17th-century fort is a 45-metre square structure in the middle of a large entrenchment. Built in 1674 according to Vauban's instructions, it was responsible for blocking the Sablanceaux peninsula. In 1685, the Sun King's most talented engineer even considered this position to be the most exposed in the entire kingdom: in 1627, the Duke of Buckingham had landed 10,000 English soldiers, taking advantage of two magnificent sandy beaches and the La Pallice trench. In 1862, the masonry of the building was completely repaired so that it could serve as a support point for a powerful battery located further east.

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
From the Redoute, take rue du Fort and turn left into avenue Gustave Perreau. Pass in front of the Town Hall then turn right into impasse des écoles to reach the seafront.
Follow rue du Moulin. Take the footpath along the harbour then the Corniche, which you share with cyclists, as far as the ‘Les Viviers’ restaurant. Turn left into rue des
Charbonnières for 500m. Take the path on the right through the woods for 800m. Cross the RD735 on the left towards Fort de la Prée, built before the fortifications of Saint-Martin-de-Ré. Follow the small footpath (Chemin des douaniers).

Retrace your steps to take the coastal path towards La Flotte. Continue along the coastal path and once you reach the Arnérault beach, go around the port of La Flotte.
Walk past the tourist office and turn left. Head towards the nautical base, then walk along the oyster farm buildings.

You've reached Saint-Martin-de-Ré!
Go straight on, then turn right. Pass the impasse des Antilles and Rue des Iles Grenadines. Turn right towards Plage de la Cible.

You've reached your destination in front of the tourist office! A visit to Saint-Martin-de-Ré. Then take the shuttle bus from the port stop to the to the transport hub (Cognacq Jay stop) outside the city centre, then take the bus back to your starting point.