Île de Ré /Saint-Martin-de-Ré

28/05/23

Along the coastal cycle paths (today is Sunday and it's crowded like hell)

We are driving towards Saint-Martin-de-Ré, passing numerous mussel farms where you can taste oysters.

It's so beautiful here, you don't know where to look first.

A very charming place with many narrow streets and beautiful shops built around a sailing port and a fortress.

The extensive fortifications were built in the early 17th century and later significantly expanded by Vauban. From the citadel located near the harbor, prisoners were shipped to French Guiana and New Caledonia.

Since 2008, the fortifications have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Fortifications of Vauban" along with other works throughout France.

Today, the largest prison in the category of Maison centrale in France is still located in the fortifications.

It's also very crowded here. There are lines in front of the restaurants at lunchtime. The French love to eat. So we treat ourselves to some ice cream... Not cheap but delicious.

The market hall of Saint-Martin-de-Ré is small but very charming.

On the way back, we look for a place in one of the oyster farms... unfortunately without success. Sundays with good weather are not a good idea.

The rest of the day is all about relaxing and going to the beach, and in the evening watching the Ice Hockey World Championship at Jürgen's place. I go for a swim in the sea again at sunset and enjoy the peace on the beach.

La vie est belle!