Félix Faure courtyard

The island of Ré has had the honour of welcoming three Presidents of the Republic: Sadi Carnot, Félix Faure and François Mitterrand. Félix Faure's visit took place on 26 April 1897. He arrived on board the aviso Élan, before disembarking in the port of Saint-Martin-de-Ré. Received at La Flotte, a tragedy interrupted the festivities: an admirer was decapitated by a suspended cable, which was holding garlands near the tribune where the President was seated for the ceremony. After decorating a few VIPs, Félix Faure continued on to the port of Rivedoux, from where he left the island in a rowboat, as his ship was unable to dock due to low tide!