{"id":2705,"date":"2026-05-06T09:08:49","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T09:08:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/?p=2705"},"modified":"2026-05-06T09:29:44","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T09:29:44","slug":"saint-martin-de-re-history","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/saint-martin-de-re-history\/","title":{"rendered":"Saint-Martin-de-R\u00e9: visiting the fortified capital listed as a UNESCO"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"2705\" class=\"elementor elementor-2705 elementor-2679\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-cae01bd elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"cae01bd\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-621e378\" data-id=\"621e378\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e3912db elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e3912db\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.11.5 - 14-03-2023 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#818a91;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#818a91;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<section class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"request-69de0437-f8e0-832e-a092-6102b0848f1a-4\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-130\" data-scroll-anchor=\"false\" data-turn=\"assistant\"><div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"><div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\"><div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"><div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1\" dir=\"auto\" tabindex=\"0\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"961cc5a4-e537-4f10-aec3-f88de3a47c53\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-3-mini\" data-turn-start-message=\"true\"><div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\"><div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word dark markdown-new-styling\"><p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"269\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Nestled in the heart of R\u00e9 Island, Saint-Martin-de-R\u00e9 is far more than just a village. It is a fortified capital whose ramparts, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, still tell the story of the grandeur of the 17th century. A must-see stop on any stay on the island.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2480e3e elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"2480e3e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.11.5 - 14-03-2023 *\/\n.elementor-column .elementor-spacer-inner{height:var(--spacer-size)}.e-con{--container-widget-width:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer{width:var(--container-widget-width,var(--spacer-size));--align-self:var(--container-widget-align-self,initial);--flex-shrink:0}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container,.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer{height:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer>.elementor-spacer-inner,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer>.elementor-spacer-inner{height:var(--container-widget-height,var(--spacer-size))}<\/style>\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6f93da9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6f93da9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.11.5 - 14-03-2023 *\/\n.elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}<\/style><h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Saint-Martin-de-R\u00e9, the capital of \u00eele de R\u00e9<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0e4a887 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0e4a887\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"302\">First of all, it is important to understand why Saint-Martin-de-R\u00e9 holds such a special place on the island. As the administrative centre of R\u00e9 Island, the town is home to around 2,600 residents year-round. In summer, its population swells to welcome thousands of visitors drawn by its preserved charm.<\/p><p data-start=\"304\" data-end=\"540\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Indeed, the town owes its unique character to a dual heritage: exceptional military architecture and a lively harbour atmosphere. Together, these two assets make it one of the most photographed destinations on the French Atlantic coast.<\/p><section class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"request-69de0437-f8e0-832e-a092-6102b0848f1a-7\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-136\" data-scroll-anchor=\"false\" data-turn=\"assistant\"><div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"><div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\"><div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"><div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1\" dir=\"auto\" tabindex=\"0\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"daa4f362-9012-4284-925f-8a4c53ae54be\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-3-mini\" data-turn-start-message=\"true\"><div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\"><div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word dark markdown-new-styling\"><p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"135\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Thus, whether you are staying in a luxury <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/location\/villa-saint-martin-de-re-villa-vauban-413435.html\">villa in Saint-Martin-de-R\u00e9<\/a> or in another village on the island, a visit is an absolute must.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fb9d35a elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"fb9d35a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-eb8ce34 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"eb8ce34\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-5faeb0a\" data-id=\"5faeb0a\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-63d811c elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"63d811c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.11.5 - 14-03-2023 *\/\n.elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=\".svg\"]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/98BA6059-8D20-43EA-A647-B0A563A36C05-scaled.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-2684\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/98BA6059-8D20-43EA-A647-B0A563A36C05-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/98BA6059-8D20-43EA-A647-B0A563A36C05-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/98BA6059-8D20-43EA-A647-B0A563A36C05-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/98BA6059-8D20-43EA-A647-B0A563A36C05-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-b37edc9\" data-id=\"b37edc9\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-792a9b1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"792a9b1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">An exceptional military history<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4e70349 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4e70349\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"request-69de0437-f8e0-832e-a092-6102b0848f1a-9\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-140\" data-scroll-anchor=\"false\" data-turn=\"assistant\"><div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"><div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\"><div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"><div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1\" dir=\"auto\" tabindex=\"0\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"57787c31-c6e6-46eb-b5bb-233a26c75c94\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-3-mini\" data-turn-start-message=\"true\"><div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\"><div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word dark markdown-new-styling\"><p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"278\">Saint-Martin-de-R\u00e9 was long a strategic stronghold. To protect the island from English and Dutch attacks, Louis XIV tasked Vauban with designing its famous fortifications in the 17th century. Construction began in 1681, and it would forever transform the appearance of the town.<\/p><p data-start=\"280\" data-end=\"468\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">As a result, the town still has almost intact ramparts stretching over several kilometres today. You can find bastions, moats, drawbridges and curtain walls, all remarkably well preserved. It is precisely for this reason that UNESCO inscribed <a href=\"https:\/\/whc.unesco.org\/fr\/list\/1283\">the Vauban fortifications<\/a> as a World Heritage Site in 2008.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b6c2c68 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"b6c2c68\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-145d770 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"145d770\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Must-see places to visit in Saint-Martin-de-R\u00e9<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c35661a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c35661a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"request-69de0437-f8e0-832e-a092-6102b0848f1a-1\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-146\" data-scroll-anchor=\"false\" data-turn=\"assistant\"><div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"><div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\"><div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"><div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1\" dir=\"auto\" tabindex=\"0\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"62b82d4c-4bf1-4f4e-95ea-79cfdbd1397f\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-3-mini\" data-turn-start-message=\"true\"><div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\"><div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word dark markdown-new-styling\"><p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"137\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">To make the most of your visit, it is worth carefully planning your stops. Here are the places that deserve your attention as a priority.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5166418 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"5166418\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-a917227 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"a917227\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-9be7736\" data-id=\"9be7736\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1c79333 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"1c79333\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"276\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Capture-decran-2025-01-21-a-11.48.16-380x350.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-image-2689\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-b138fe9\" data-id=\"b138fe9\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9fa096e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9fa096e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The ramparts: the iconic walk<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-42e79ef elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"42e79ef\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"228\">A walk along the ramparts remains the city\u2019s most memorable experience. It offers striking views over the harbour, the salt marshes, and the mainland in the distance. Allow around 45 minutes to complete the full circuit on foot.<\/p><p data-start=\"230\" data-end=\"423\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">The walk is, incidentally, freely and openly accessible all year round. Be sure to go in the late afternoon: the golden light of the evening transforms the ochre stone into a magical spectacle.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5587ea2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5587ea2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"request-69de0437-f8e0-832e-a092-6102b0848f1a-4\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-152\" data-scroll-anchor=\"false\" data-turn=\"assistant\"><div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"><div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\"><div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"><div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1\" dir=\"auto\" tabindex=\"0\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"00f782e5-5d27-41b5-8f92-641dfe207f1a\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-3-mini\" data-turn-start-message=\"true\"><div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\"><div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word dark markdown-new-styling\"><p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"220\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">The ramparts of Saint-Martin-de-R\u00e9 are part of a group of 12 Vauban sites in France listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Access is free of charge. Come by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/where-to-cycle-on-the-ile-de-re-routes-maps-bike-hire-guide\/\">bicycle via the R\u00e9 Island cycle paths<\/a> for the ideal experience.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-221c4d6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"221c4d6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-d1978bb elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"d1978bb\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-e392e79\" data-id=\"e392e79\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6c56269 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6c56269\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The marina and the Quai Nicolas Baudin<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2af79ca elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2af79ca\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"281\">At the foot of the ramparts, the Saint-Martin-de-R\u00e9 marina is buzzing with activity from spring to autumn. Sailing boats, fishing trawlers and pleasure craft coexist there in a colourful harmony. Along the quay, bars, restaurants and ice cream shops line up in a lively atmosphere.<\/p><p data-start=\"283\" data-end=\"525\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Moreover, this is where you will find some of the best dining spots on the island. Fresh oysters, mussel \u00e9clade, sole meuni\u00e8re\u2026 The local cuisine lives up to its setting. For the best addresses, consult our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/where-to-eat-on-ile-de-re-restaurants-oyster-local-food\/\">where to eat on R\u00e9 Island<\/a>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-8b4c6a3\" data-id=\"8b4c6a3\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e53391f elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"e53391f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/2D834E3C-FFEA-41E1-AA36-652884930D71-1-scaled.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-2691\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/2D834E3C-FFEA-41E1-AA36-652884930D71-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/2D834E3C-FFEA-41E1-AA36-652884930D71-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/2D834E3C-FFEA-41E1-AA36-652884930D71-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/2D834E3C-FFEA-41E1-AA36-652884930D71-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4e3ce60 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"4e3ce60\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-4186688 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"4186688\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-35b4003\" data-id=\"35b4003\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-70a21c2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"70a21c2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f863246 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"f863246\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"276\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/03731EA2-2A5B-46D7-BE7E-AAB45D955F3D-1-380x350.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium wp-image-2695\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-0312538\" data-id=\"0312538\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4fbadfd elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4fbadfd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The citadel and its unique history<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-40bd29e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"40bd29e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"290\">The citadel of Saint-Martin-de-R\u00e9 is one of the best-preserved military structures in France. Built by Vauban, it long served as a state prison, notably housing convicts deported to French Guiana and New Caledonia. Even today, it still contains a prison, which gives it a unique atmosphere.<\/p><p data-start=\"292\" data-end=\"465\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Nevertheless, guided tours allow visitors to explore its outer bastions and understand its historical role. Check with the R\u00e9 Island Tourist Office for available time slots.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0a9b512 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"0a9b512\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f836d19 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"f836d19\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The village: flower-lined streets and the R\u00e9 Island way of life<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0147968 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0147968\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"request-WEB:ca74dfcb-7c01-487b-9378-9afb396f7be8-15\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-32\" data-scroll-anchor=\"false\" data-turn=\"assistant\"><div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"><div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\"><div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"><div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1\" dir=\"auto\" tabindex=\"0\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"1b94b631-efde-43ad-8c9a-38864ffbd2f3\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-3-mini\" data-turn-start-message=\"true\"><div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\"><div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word dark markdown-new-styling\"><p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"225\">Beyond its military heritage, Saint-Martin-de-R\u00e9 charms visitors with its incomparable way of life. The cobbled streets of the historic centre are dotted with hollyhocks that bloom each summer against the whitewashed fa\u00e7ades.<\/p><p data-start=\"227\" data-end=\"530\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Moreover, the many shops, art galleries and markets contribute to the town\u2019s unique atmosphere. The Saturday morning market, held under the covered market hall, is a great opportunity to discover the island\u2019s signature products: R\u00e9 salt, fleur de sel, Pineau des Charentes and Charente-Maritime oysters.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-96498a9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"96498a9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-176cef2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"176cef2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">When to visit Saint-Martin-de-R\u00e9 ?<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c0287b4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c0287b4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"259\">The ideal time to visit Saint-Martin-de-R\u00e9 is outside the peak season, in order to fully appreciate its calm and authenticity. Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) offer a perfect balance between pleasant weather and moderate crowds.<\/p><p data-start=\"261\" data-end=\"469\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">However, in July and August, the town takes on a very different, festive atmosphere. Terraces overflow, events multiply and the atmosphere becomes vibrant and lively. Each season therefore has its own appeal.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2498c7a elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"2498c7a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-63598e1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"63598e1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"751\" height=\"246\" src=\"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/BB645A66-DBAA-4F6A-858A-BF59E5C5CD22-1-1920x630.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-2697\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-82e068b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"82e068b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Practical information<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-106f939 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"106f939\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<table class=\"w-fit min-w-(--thread-content-width)\" style=\"height: 426px;\" width=\"428\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"365\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"><thead data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"19\"><tr data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"19\"><th class=\"\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"8\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Element<\/th><th class=\"\" data-start=\"8\" data-end=\"19\" data-col-size=\"md\">Details<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody data-start=\"30\" data-end=\"365\" data-is-last-node=\"\"><tr data-start=\"30\" data-end=\"96\"><td data-start=\"30\" data-end=\"37\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Access<\/td><td data-start=\"37\" data-end=\"96\" data-col-size=\"md\">\u00cele de R\u00e9 bridge (from La Rochelle, approx. 30 minutes)<\/td><\/tr><tr data-start=\"97\" data-end=\"160\"><td data-start=\"97\" data-end=\"105\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Parking<\/td><td data-start=\"105\" data-end=\"160\" data-col-size=\"md\">Several paid car parks at the entrances to the town<\/td><\/tr><tr data-start=\"161\" data-end=\"222\"><td data-start=\"161\" data-end=\"169\" data-col-size=\"sm\">By bike<\/td><td data-start=\"169\" data-end=\"222\" data-col-size=\"md\">Numerous cycle paths, bike hire available on site<\/td><\/tr><tr data-start=\"223\" data-end=\"262\"><td data-start=\"223\" data-end=\"232\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Ramparts<\/td><td data-start=\"232\" data-end=\"262\" data-col-size=\"md\">Free access all year round<\/td><\/tr><tr data-start=\"263\" data-end=\"314\"><td data-start=\"263\" data-end=\"270\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Market<\/td><td data-start=\"270\" data-end=\"314\" data-col-size=\"md\">Saturday morning, Place de la R\u00e9publique<\/td><\/tr><tr data-start=\"315\" data-end=\"365\" data-is-last-node=\"\"><td data-start=\"315\" data-end=\"327\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Peak season<\/td><td data-start=\"327\" data-end=\"365\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-col-size=\"md\">July \u2013 August (high visitor numbers)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ab51a8e elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"ab51a8e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5a580d9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"5a580d9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Staying in Saint-Martin-de-R\u00e9: the ultimate experience<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-851caea elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"851caea\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"294\">To fully experience Saint-Martin-de-R\u00e9, nothing beats staying there. Waking up to the sound of the bells of Saint-Martin Church, strolling along the ramparts at sunrise before the tourists arrive\u2026 These moments are reserved for those who choose to stay in the town or just a stone\u2019s throw away.<\/p><p data-start=\"296\" data-end=\"507\">As a result, Travel Paradise offers several luxury villas in Saint-Martin-de-R\u00e9 and its immediate surroundings. Each property is selected for its exceptional character, location and the quality of its amenities.<\/p><p data-start=\"509\" data-end=\"754\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">In short, Saint-Martin-de-R\u00e9 is far more than just a stopover: it is an experience in its own right. Its history, architecture and gentle way of life make it one of the most beautiful villages in France, and unquestionably the jewel of R\u00e9 Island.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Nestled in the heart of R\u00e9 Island, Saint-Martin-de-R\u00e9 is far more than just a village. It is a fortified capital&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2685,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2705","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog-en"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Saint-Martin-de-R\u00e9: visiting the fortified capital listed as a UNESCO<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Vauban\u2019s ramparts, a fishing harbour, and flower-lined streets filled with hollyhocks\u2026 a timeless town that is absolutely worth exploring.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/saint-martin-de-re-history\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Saint-Martin-de-R\u00e9: visiting the fortified capital listed as a UNESCO\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Vauban\u2019s ramparts, a fishing harbour, and flower-lined streets filled with hollyhocks\u2026 a timeless town that is absolutely worth exploring.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/saint-martin-de-re-history\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-05-06T09:08:49+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-05-06T09:29:44+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/98BA6059-8D20-43EA-A647-B0A563A36C05-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1707\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"travelparadise\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"travelparadise\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/saint-martin-de-re-history\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/saint-martin-de-re-history\/\",\"name\":\"Saint-Martin-de-R\u00e9: visiting the fortified capital listed as a UNESCO\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2026-05-06T09:08:49+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-05-06T09:29:44+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/ed2001af629a3e10f958897e149d0ac1\"},\"description\":\"Vauban\u2019s ramparts, a fishing harbour, and flower-lined streets filled with hollyhocks\u2026 a timeless town that is absolutely worth exploring.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/saint-martin-de-re-history\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/saint-martin-de-re-history\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/saint-martin-de-re-history\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Accueil\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Saint-Martin-de-R\u00e9: visiting the fortified capital listed as a UNESCO\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/\",\"name\":\"Blog sur l'\u00cele de R\u00e9\",\"description\":\"Location de vacances de luxe \u00cele de R\u00e9 - TravelParadise.fr\",\"alternateName\":\"Blog sur l'\u00cele de R\u00e9\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/ed2001af629a3e10f958897e149d0ac1\",\"name\":\"travelparadise\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6f4f7cc27cad962dac233b4df73e88870445d6f46c799440318bb409fc4cd9da?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6f4f7cc27cad962dac233b4df73e88870445d6f46c799440318bb409fc4cd9da?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"travelparadise\"},\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/author\/travelparadise\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Saint-Martin-de-R\u00e9: visiting the fortified capital listed as a UNESCO","description":"Vauban\u2019s ramparts, a fishing harbour, and flower-lined streets filled with hollyhocks\u2026 a timeless town that is absolutely worth exploring.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/saint-martin-de-re-history\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Saint-Martin-de-R\u00e9: visiting the fortified capital listed as a UNESCO","og_description":"Vauban\u2019s ramparts, a fishing harbour, and flower-lined streets filled with hollyhocks\u2026 a timeless town that is absolutely worth exploring.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/saint-martin-de-re-history\/","og_site_name":"Blog","article_published_time":"2026-05-06T09:08:49+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-05-06T09:29:44+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2560,"height":1707,"url":"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/98BA6059-8D20-43EA-A647-B0A563A36C05-scaled.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"travelparadise","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"travelparadise","Est. reading time":"6 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/saint-martin-de-re-history\/","url":"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/saint-martin-de-re-history\/","name":"Saint-Martin-de-R\u00e9: visiting the fortified capital listed as a UNESCO","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/#website"},"datePublished":"2026-05-06T09:08:49+00:00","dateModified":"2026-05-06T09:29:44+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/ed2001af629a3e10f958897e149d0ac1"},"description":"Vauban\u2019s ramparts, a fishing harbour, and flower-lined streets filled with hollyhocks\u2026 a timeless town that is absolutely worth exploring.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/saint-martin-de-re-history\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/saint-martin-de-re-history\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/saint-martin-de-re-history\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Accueil","item":"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Saint-Martin-de-R\u00e9: visiting the fortified capital listed as a UNESCO"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/","name":"Blog sur l'\u00cele de R\u00e9","description":"Location de vacances de luxe \u00cele de R\u00e9 - TravelParadise.fr","alternateName":"Blog sur l'\u00cele de R\u00e9","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/ed2001af629a3e10f958897e149d0ac1","name":"travelparadise","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6f4f7cc27cad962dac233b4df73e88870445d6f46c799440318bb409fc4cd9da?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6f4f7cc27cad962dac233b4df73e88870445d6f46c799440318bb409fc4cd9da?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"travelparadise"},"url":"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/author\/travelparadise\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2705","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2705"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2705\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2788,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2705\/revisions\/2788"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2685"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2705"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2705"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelparadise.fr\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2705"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}