5 Rétaises Specialties to Discover
How can you stroll along the cobbled streets of Île de Ré without noticing its iconic green shutters? Or return from the beach without savoring the famous ice creams from La Martinière? As you might have guessed, Île de Ré is a gem on France’s Atlantic coast that offers more than just breathtaking landscapes and sandy beaches. This one-of-a-kind island also stands out for its numerous culinary specialties, as well as its charming towns steeped in history and tradition. Here are 5 Retaise specialties to discover, sure to delight your taste buds and take you on an unforgettable journey:
Donkeys in Pants
If you’ve wandered around the island, you’ve likely spotted these donkeys in pants. This age-old tradition originally served a practical purpose: the pants protected the animals from certain insects. Arriving on the island at the end of the 19th century, donkeys replaced horses and became an indispensable help, especially for agricultural work.
You might even have the chance to ride a donkey along the ramparts of Saint-Martin!
The Famous Green Shutters
These green shutters have been part of the island’s legal regulations since the late 20th century. There are several theories behind this tradition: some say it’s a form of mimicry that simply spread over time, while others believe it originated with sailors who used the green paint meant for their boat hulls to repaint their shutters—not for aesthetics, but to protect them.
The Iconic Hollyhock
Among the island’s botanical treasures, the hollyhock stands out for its abundance and unique beauty. Beyond its visual charm, this flower is also edible and is often used to make jams. Retaise cuisine offers a variety of culinary specialties to discover and savor, with the delights from La Martinière holding a special place among them.
The Iconic Treats from “La Martinière”
If there’s one ice cream to try on the island, it’s the one from La Martinière. You won’t find these flavors anywhere else. As a family-owned business, La Martinière prioritizes quality and taste. And if ice cream isn’t your thing, La Martinière also offers other specialties, including pastries and biscuits.
The White Gold of Île de Ré
An age-old island tradition, the art of salt harvesting is still alive today, and the fleur de sel from Île de Ré is even considered one of the world’s finest and most flavorful salts. Perfect for enhancing any dish, it brings a touch of refinement to your cooking. If you’re interested in the salt marshes, you can find their history in one of our previous articles.
Thus, Île de Ré will leave a lasting impression on your stay, not only with its picturesque landscapes but also through its culinary delights and rich cultural heritage. Whether riding a donkey along the ramparts, admiring the green shutters adorning the quaint streets, or savoring a delicious ice cream at La Martinière, each experience on Île de Ré is unique and authentic.
