Saint Martin de Re, Ile de Re, Charente Maritime

Description:

Geography and Transport

The historic capital of the Ile de Re, Saint Martin de Re is a fortified town located on the northern side of the island, off the Atlantic coast of La Rochelle.  The commune covers an area of 4.70km².  The island is accessible via a 3km toll bridge (cost from 9 euro to 16.50 return), and the D735 is the main road that runs through it.  Ile de Re can still be reached by boat, with the company Inter-Iles from the old port in La Rochelle, and also from a new facility (2008) at La Tranche Sur Mer (Vendee).  Timetables can vary in both days and times of travel depending on the season.  From La Rochelle there are motorways towards Niort (N11) and Rochefort (N137).  There is no rail link from the island, but La Rochelle does provide access to both regional rail (TER) and the TGV, which links with Paris (Montparnasse) in a shade over 3 hours.  The nearest airport is La Rochelle, and this offers flights to a variety of UK destinations with the major budget carriers.
See also:  La Flotte en Re, Le Bois Plage en Re

Climate

The climate here is mild courtesy of the position of the town on the Atlantic coast.  This has the effect of keeping summer temperatures warm (but not excessively hot) whilst keeping winters mild.  Average summer temperatures are between 22C and 24C (14C to 17C night), and in winter this drops to 9C to 10C (4C to 5C night).  Spring and Autumn can be warm with May averaging 19C (12C), and September 22C (14C).  Wettest months are Oct and Nov with 65mm and 62mm respectively, and the driest months are June and Aug with 24mm and 29mm respectively.  This part of Charente Maritime receives over 2000 hours of sunshine per year.

Tourism

Saint Martin de Re is the bustling centre of the island, with narrow streets and fine 17^th and 18^th century architecture.  The star-shaped fortifications that surround the town were designed to protect the whole islands population and withstand a siege.  They were designed and constructed by Louis XIVs chief engineer Vauban in 1681, and a decision by UNESCO in July 2008 means the site is now on World Heritage List.  Many guided tour options are available, and the only part off-limits is the Citadel, which is now a working prison.

With its UNESCO status, it is no surprise that the Musee Ernest Cognacq has a temporary exhibition in place covering Vauban and the impact on the island of the fortifications and their history.  The museum located in the old port area is housed in l'Hotel de Clerjotte, a Renaissance building currently undergoing renovation.  For 360 degree panoramic views of the fortifications, the harbour and the town, Le Clocher Observatoire offers a central elevated position.  There is a beach behind the ramparts at La Cible.

Economy

The town is part of the La Rochelle economic zone which has an unemployment rate of 9.8%, compared against the regional rate of 8.6% and the national rate of 9.1% (INSEE 2006).  The biggest company in the town is FETTIG (Tout Faire DIY/builders merchant), but the economy is largely built on commerce and tourism. 

Facilities

Staint Martin en Re offers most amenities, supermarket, restaurant and cafes.

Education

Saint Martin has 2 nursery schools, 2 primary schools and a secondary school.  For college level, options are across at La Rochelle.

Key Stats

47.3% of homes here are main homes, with 50.8% of properties are classed as second homes. There are more people aged 60 or over than the national average (26.3% vs 21.3%), and the number of retired people is also higher (21.5% vs 18.2%).  15.1% of the local population are under 19 years of age.  There are fewer females than males resident here (42.9% vs 57.1%).  Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit the Ile de Re during peak times, but the population of the whole island is normally around 16,500.

Attractions and places to visit on Ile de Re

Key Facilities and Services: