Les Portes Beaches

Overview

Les Portes-en-Ré is an excellent choice for a beach holiday on the beautiful Île de Ré. This charming village is perfect for visitors who love natural, wilder beaches and a quieter atmosphere. Its coastline boasts several stunning sandy stretches, ideal for relaxing walks, enjoying nature, and unwinding in a chic yet unpretentious setting. You'll find the beaches here generally less crowded, offering a peaceful escape.

Among the standout shores, Plage de Trousse-Chemise is iconic, famed for its wild beauty and the unique Banc du Bûcheron sandbar accessible at low tide. Families often enjoy Plage de Gros Joncs, conveniently located near the village and known for its calmer waters. For surf enthusiasts, Plage du Petit Bec offers excellent waves in a natural setting. Remember that tides significantly shape the beach experience here, revealing vast expanses of sand at low tide.

The scenic beauty continues at Plage du Lizay, celebrated for its impressive dunes and bordering forest. Some areas, like sections of Plage du Lizay and Plage du Petit Bec, are designated for naturism. While Les Portes offers a tranquil vibe, it's also a place where the Atlantic waters can be refreshingly cool. For a comprehensive guide to all the coastal gems, be sure to explore our longer list of beaches.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Les Portes-en-Ré a good destination for a beach holiday?

Yes, Les Portes-en-Ré is an excellent choice for a beach holiday, particularly for those who appreciate natural, wilder beaches and a quieter atmosphere than some other areas on Île de Ré. It boasts several beautiful sandy beaches ideal for relaxation, walking, and enjoying nature.

What's the water like for swimming at Les Portes-en-Ré beaches? Is it cold?

The seawater at Les Portes-en-Ré is part of the Atlantic Ocean, so it can be quite refreshing, especially outside the peak summer months of July and August. Water temperatures generally range from about 18°C to 22°C (64°F to 72°F) in summer. The water quality is typically very good, and the calm waters at some beaches make them ideal for swimming.

Which beaches in Les Portes-en-Ré are best for families with young children?

Plage du Gros Jonc is often recommended for families due to its calmer waters, especially at low tide, and sometimes offers supervised activities for children. Beaches like Trousse-Chemise can also be family-friendly for picnics and walks, though care should be taken with currents. Always supervise children closely near the water.

Plage de Gros Joncs

Plage de Trousse-Chemise

How do the tides affect the beaches in Les Portes-en-Ré?

Tides have a major impact on the beaches. At low tide, vast stretches of sand are exposed, perfect for walking, shell collecting, and accessing areas like the Banc du Bûcheron from Trousse Chemise beach. However, swimming might require a longer walk to the water. At high tide, the beach area is smaller, but swimming is more accessible. It's advisable to check tide times.

Plage de Trousse-Chemise

Can I find beachfront accommodation or places to stay with easy beach access in Les Portes-en-Ré?

Direct 'on-the-sand' hotels are rare due to coastal preservation. However, Les Portes-en-Ré offers charming guesthouses, villas, and some campsites within very easy walking or cycling distance of the beaches. Look for properties near areas like Trousse Chemise, Plage de la Loge, or Gros Jonc for quick beach access.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Plage de Trousse-Chemise

Are there any naturist beaches in Les Portes-en-Ré?

Yes, a section of Plage du Lizay and Plage du Petit Bec in Les Portes-en-Ré are known and designated for naturism. These areas are typically situated in wilder, more secluded parts of the beaches.

Plage du Petit Bec

What's the best way to get to the beaches from Les Portes-en-Ré village?

Cycling is the most popular and often the easiest way to reach the beaches from the village, thanks to an excellent network of cycle paths. Most beaches are a short bike ride away. Walking is also feasible for closer beaches. Car parking can be limited, especially in peak season.

Are the beaches in Les Portes-en-Ré very crowded?

Les Portes-en-Ré is generally considered one of the quieter and more preserved villages on Île de Ré. While its beaches are popular, particularly in July and August, they tend to be less crowded than those in more central parts of the island. You can often find peaceful spots, especially if you explore a bit further along the coast.

People Also Ask

When is the best time of year for a beach trip to Les Portes-en-Ré?

July and August are the peak months for warm swimming weather and the liveliest atmosphere. However, May, June, and September also offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and enjoyable beach conditions, often preferred by those seeking more tranquility.

Are there facilities like toilets, showers, or cafes at the beaches in Les Portes-en-Ré?

Some main beaches, such as Plage du Gros Jonc or Plage de la Loge, may have basic facilities like toilets or nearby seasonal snack bars and nautical centers. However, many beaches in Les Portes-en-Ré maintain a more natural, wild character with limited or no facilities directly on the sand. It's best to check for specific beaches or come prepared.

Is Les Portes-en-Ré good for surfing or kitesurfing?

Yes, some beaches in Les Portes-en-Ré are known for water sports. Petit Bec is a renowned surf spot. Gros Jonc beach is popular with kitesurfers and windsurfers. The Banc du Bûcheron, accessible at low tide from Trousse Chemise, is also a paradise for kitesurfing and windsurfing.

Plage du Petit Bec

Plage de Gros Joncs

Plage de Trousse-Chemise

What's the vibe like in Les Portes-en-Ré? Is it a party town or more relaxed?

Les Portes-en-Ré is known for its chic, discreet, and relaxed family-friendly atmosphere. It's not a party town; the vibe is more about enjoying nature, quiet evenings, local markets, and upscale but unpretentious coastal living.

Are there any 'hidden gem' or quieter beaches in Les Portes-en-Ré?

While all beaches in Les Portes have a natural charm, exploring the coastline around the Trousse Chemise forest or the more secluded parts of Plage de la Patache can lead to quieter spots, especially outside peak hours. The extensive nature of beaches like La Conche des Baleines, extending towards Les Portes, also means you can often find space.

Plage de Trousse-Chemise

How do the beaches in Les Portes-en-Ré compare to those in Ars-en-Ré or Saint-Martin-de-Ré?

Les Portes-en-Ré beaches are often described as wilder, more expansive, and deeply connected to nature, with bordering forests like Trousse Chemise and Lizay. Ars-en-Ré also offers natural beaches, often with views of the Fier d'Ars. Saint-Martin-de-Ré's closest main beach, La Cible, is smaller and closer to urban amenities, while Les Portes provides more extensive sandy stretches further from a bustling town center.

Plage de Trousse-Chemise

Plage de la Cible

What should I be aware of regarding local beach culture or common mistakes in Les Portes-en-Ré?

A common oversight is not checking tide times, as this dramatically changes beach access and swimming conditions. Underestimating the sun, even on breezy days, is another; sun protection is crucial. During peak season, not pre-booking cycle hire or expecting ample car parking near all beaches can be problematic. Also, be mindful of protected dune areas and nature reserves bordering some beaches.