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Farmers' markets are an essential ingredient to daily French life. All across France, these marchés invite locals and tourists alike to taste local products directly from farmers and food artisans while dipping into regional culture. If you are staying on the Ile de Ré, you won't want to miss the markets on this charming island off the west coast of France, a hub of French gastronomy thanks to its salt marshes, oyster farms, farms, and more. That's why Villanovo has created this helpful guide to the best markets on Ile de Ré.
Across the island, most markets are open every day in the summer and a few days a week in winter.
Ars en Ré: From November to March, the market is open on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at Place Carnot. It moves to the port from April to October, when it is held daily. All year round, the market hours are 8am - 1:30pm.
St.-Martin-de-Ré: Open from October to March, except in January, the market is held from 7am - 2pm on Tuesday - Sunday at 2 rue Jean Jaurès near the port. It is open daily from April - September.
La Flotte: Located in the centre of town at the Place du Marché, the market is open every day throughout the year. A lively night market takes place from July 1st - September 15th from 7pm-11pm on the Cours Felix Fauré along the water.
Bois-Plage-en-Ré: From October to March, the market runs on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday and is open 9am - 12:30pm. Located in the centre of the village, this large covered market is open every day from April to September and stays open until 1pm.
Fitting for the island’s capital, the Saint-Martin-de-Ré market is must-see. The covered market is lined with food stalls laden with local products such as cheese, bread, wine, and fresh fruit and vegetables. You get to meet the farmers, bakers, and cheesemakers behind each ingredient, it has a very friendly atmosphere. The extra plus? Since the market is covered, it is a great place to go on rainy or hot summer days, as well as picking up ingredients to make home-cooked meals. Want a private chef to cook dinner for you in your luxury villa? Your Villanovo concierge will be happy to book one for you.
As one of the oldest villages on Ile de Ré, La Flotte has a medieval-style market that is sure to charm you. Stroll the cobblestone streets to browse food stands that brim with local products. In the summer, La Flotte has a bustling night market along the river. Pick up cheese, bread, regional wines, and prepared food for an evening picnic. Families will enjoy this fun alternative to a sit-down restaurant.
This popular market on Ile de Ré is a lovely way to spend time in one of the most beautiful villages in France. Grab a morning croissant or an afternoon gaufre (waffle) while strolling by the traditional foodstuffs and salt sourced from the nearby salt marshes. Situated in the port or on the church square, the Ars-en-Ré market is the perfect place for picking up picnic supplies. Where is a good spot to picnic on Ile de Ré? La Grange, a protected natural area on a lovely sandy beach, is just a 15-minute walk from the market.
This beautiful village hosts the island’s largest market with over 150 vendors! You can spend all morning browsing the food, souvenirs, local crafts, and treasures for your home. Plus, there are rides for the children, making the market an ideal activity to do with your family. The Bois-Plage-en-Ré market is conveniently located in the village centre. Why not join locals for lunch or coffee on a typical terrace after you shop?
Thanks to its prime location on the Atlantic Sea and its fertile land, Ile de Ré's gastronomy is wonderfully rich.
Salt marshes blanket over 460 hectares of the island, so you can’t leave without buying Ile de Ré's famous salt that is made from a savoir-faire that dates back to the 12th century. Find fleur de sel, caramels flavoured with sea salt, and salicornia, a salty sea plant. Ile de Ré oysters are a local specialty that you can buy directly from oyster farmers at the markets.
Perfumed with local wild flowers, Ile de Ré honey is another specialty. Be sure to pick up seasonal fruits and vegetables, like sweet strawberries in the spring, juicy Charente melons in the summer, and the island’s famous potatoes from mid-April to the end of June. Homemade jams are a great way to enjoy the flavourful fruit all year long.
Don't forget a bottle of island-made Cognac or Pineau des Charentes, a sweet, fortified wine that is enjoyed at aperitif.
Villanovo has thoughtfully selected a range of luxury villas to suit your every need. Choose from rentals with a private swimming pool, garden, and direct access to the sea.
Our exclusive collection includes luxury villas in Ile de Ré's market towns like Ars en Ré, Bois-Plage en Ré, Sainte Marie de Ré as well as Portes en Ré, giving luxury travellers the ideal home base for their holidays.
Our attentive concierges take care of all the details so you can concentrate on your holiday. This personalised service adapts each trip to your needs, whether you want to book ski lessons, day care, or a private chef. Last but not least? Villanovo offers you a beautiful travel diary for each stay in one of our villas. You'll find all our recommendations for restaurants, shops and other experiences to discover on Ile de Ré.
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