Beyond its beaches and white villages, the Île de Ré boasts a remarkable religious heritage, intimately linked to its maritime history and the lives of its inhabitants. Bell towers that once served as landmarks
for sailors, churches rebuilt over the centuries, contemporary stained glass windows, and ancient works of art… each building tells a story of the soul of the Île de Ré.
During your stay at your hotel on the Île de Ré, take the time to explore these places steeped in history.
Impossible to miss: with its black and white Gothic bell tower and octagonal spire, the Church of Saint-Étienne is one of the most striking symbols of the Île de Ré.
Visible from afar, it once served as a landmark for sailors entering the Fier d’Ars.
Built and modified over more than a millennium, it harmoniously blends pre-Romanesque, Romanesque, and Gothic influences.
Inside, you'll discover a simple yet luminous atmosphere, punctuated bystained-glass windows depicting biblical scenes and the island's spiritual history.
Formerly the chapel of the Château des Mauléons, Saint Catherine's Church bears witness to the evolution of Gothic architecture on the island.
It notably houses a bell donated by Cardinal Richelieu in 1632, a reminder of La Flotte's strategic and religious importance throughout the centuries.
Remodeled and restored several times, the church has preserved its character while adapting to successive eras.
Located in the heart of Vauban's famous fortified town, Saint Martin's Church is a must-see for anyone wishing to admire Île de Ré from a different perspective.
Its bell tower-observatory offers, after the climb, an exceptional panoramic view of the ramparts, the port, and the town's rooftops, particularly magical at nightfall.
Built with local materials, it also houses several works of sacred art, testaments to the cultural and spiritual richness of Saint-Martin-de-Ré.
Mentioned as early as the 14th century, the Church of Sainte-Catherine in Loix has withstood the test of time.
After a partial collapse, it was rebuilt in 1830 and enriched in the 20th century with new stained-glass windows created by the master glassmaker Aramis Pentecôte.
Its simplicity and authenticity make it a peaceful stop during a stroll through the village!
Rebuilt at the end of the 19th century, the Church of Our Lady of the Annunciation has preserved precious elements of the previous building, including its altar, statues, and votive offerings.
This blend of ancient heritage and more recent architecture gives the church a unique atmosphere.
Its remarkable stained-glass windows filter the light and invite contemplation, making this place a beautiful example of the continuity between tradition and modernity on the Île de Ré.
From the Élégance Suites Hôtel****, you can easily reach these iconic churches, whether by bicycle or on walks through the villages of the Île de Ré.
for sailors, churches rebuilt over the centuries, contemporary stained glass windows, and ancient works of art… each building tells a story of the soul of the Île de Ré.
During your stay at your hotel on the Île de Ré, take the time to explore these places steeped in history.
The Church of Saint-Étienne in Ars-en-Ré
Impossible to miss: with its black and white Gothic bell tower and octagonal spire, the Church of Saint-Étienne is one of the most striking symbols of the Île de Ré.
Visible from afar, it once served as a landmark for sailors entering the Fier d’Ars.
Built and modified over more than a millennium, it harmoniously blends pre-Romanesque, Romanesque, and Gothic influences.
Inside, you'll discover a simple yet luminous atmosphere, punctuated bystained-glass windows depicting biblical scenes and the island's spiritual history.
Saint Catherine's Church in La Flotte-en-Ré
Formerly the chapel of the Château des Mauléons, Saint Catherine's Church bears witness to the evolution of Gothic architecture on the island.
It notably houses a bell donated by Cardinal Richelieu in 1632, a reminder of La Flotte's strategic and religious importance throughout the centuries.
Remodeled and restored several times, the church has preserved its character while adapting to successive eras.
Saint Martin's Church in Saint-Martin-de-Ré
Located in the heart of Vauban's famous fortified town, Saint Martin's Church is a must-see for anyone wishing to admire Île de Ré from a different perspective.
Its bell tower-observatory offers, after the climb, an exceptional panoramic view of the ramparts, the port, and the town's rooftops, particularly magical at nightfall.
Built with local materials, it also houses several works of sacred art, testaments to the cultural and spiritual richness of Saint-Martin-de-Ré.
The Church of Sainte-Catherine in Loix
Mentioned as early as the 14th century, the Church of Sainte-Catherine in Loix has withstood the test of time.
After a partial collapse, it was rebuilt in 1830 and enriched in the 20th century with new stained-glass windows created by the master glassmaker Aramis Pentecôte.
Its simplicity and authenticity make it a peaceful stop during a stroll through the village!
The Church of Our Lady of the Annunciation in La Couarde-sur-Mer
Rebuilt at the end of the 19th century, the Church of Our Lady of the Annunciation has preserved precious elements of the previous building, including its altar, statues, and votive offerings.
This blend of ancient heritage and more recent architecture gives the church a unique atmosphere.
Its remarkable stained-glass windows filter the light and invite contemplation, making this place a beautiful example of the continuity between tradition and modernity on the Île de Ré.
From the Élégance Suites Hôtel****, you can easily reach these iconic churches, whether by bicycle or on walks through the villages of the Île de Ré.
