La Flotte: La Flotte presents an interesting contrast, between the beautiful residences aligned along the quays and the labyrinth of the small houses in the interior lanes, where you will also find the wonderful, medieval market hall, tempting you with the most mouthwatering array of local produce.
Formerly a fishing village,La Flotte, was formed around the castle of Mauléons, close to the current church. Little by little, it grew around its developing port in the 18th century under Louis XV. The trade and the exchanges were very prosperous there, as the beautiful houses on the avenue Felix Faure will testify.
The church Sainte Catherine’s bell-tower reminds us that before trains, trading ships made stopovers here: Norwegians, Dutchmen, Spaniards and even Americans came to buy the famous Ile de Re salt, brandy, vinegar... The characteristic pier goes back to 1840; it extends its superb circular arm of over 200 metres long, with a 9 metre high lighthouse at its end, visible from 15km away.
Spa treatments: While in Les Hauts de Cocraud you can take advantage of the SPA centre “Relais Thalasso Ile de Ré”. The top quality of sea water, the wonderfully pure air and atmosphere saturated with iodine, the mild climate from January to December and the high number of sunshine hours are the reasons why Thalassotherapy has naturally developed in the island. Thalassotherapy refers to the simultaneous use – with the objective of preventing or curing, and under doctor’s supervision – of sea environment to enhance overall health: seawater, seaweed, marine muds, sands and any other substance extracted from the sea.
Ideal for relieving, relaxing, revitalizing, slimming down, toning up, reshaping… a Thalassotherapy cure always has beneficial effects and you will return home fully rested and refreshed! Here the most prestigious, high-performing and innovative centres have found the most favored conditions to provide well-being and relaxation.
