A bustling town centre with houses steeped in history, terraces outside cafés to discuss and dream, a port where fishermen and sailors meet in a friendly atmosphere...
Because he was aware of the strategic importance of Ile de Ré, Vauban built a vast urban surrounding wall of huge dimensions and semicircle shape having a radius of 1.5 km in 1681.

Situated in the centre of the island and capable to protect all of the population in the event of an attack, the fort of Saint-Martin-de-Ré is the most beautiful example of the island's citadel constructed by Louis XIV's great engineer, Vauban.

Constructed in record time – only 5 years – the fort of Saint-Martin-de-Ré is a remarkable example of its first fortification system and one of the best preserved monuments.