Situated 15km from La Rochelle on the south coast of the Ile de Ré, Sainte Marie de Ré is a charming fishing village with medieval origins evident from the pretty narrow streets awash with hollyhocks in the summer.
The fortified church which has been restored on a number of occasions has a gothic clock tower dating back to the 14th century.
To see: Chapel Saint Savoeur
The clock tower
To do: Cycle rides
Walking
Discover the marine life and wild birds
Water sports