Sainte-Marie-de-Ré (; Poitevin-Saintongese: Sénte-Marie-de-Rét) is a commune located on the Isle of Ré, in the French department of Charente-Maritime, and the region of New Aquitaine, southwestern Metropolitan France.
Geography
Sainte-Marie-de-Ré is a small village, on the southern coast of the Île de Ré, facing the Île d'Oléron.
The coastal part is bordered by beaches and small cliffs.
History Sainte-Marie (as a word) was first used as a designation for a Parish Church in the late 12th century. The village centered on grape farming for over a millennium and maintains a strong rural identity. The commune was officially begun in 1790.Le village de Sainte-Marie. Website of Mairie Sainte-Marie-de Ré. accessdate = September 13, 2008 (Fr)
Population Inhabitants of Sainte-Marie-de-Ré: Maritais. Inhabitants of La Noue: Nouais.
Economy Agriculture: grape vineyards, asparagus, potatoes. Tourism. Thalassotherapy: The thalassotherapy center on the waterfront of the south-eastern edge of Sainte-Marie was expanded in 2004. Computer information technology.
Sights
Religious sites The Parish church, Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption at Sainte-Marie de Ré whose existence was first recorded in the late 12th century. In 1467 the church was fortified and a moat surrounding the church was dug. The Saint Sauveur Chapel at La Noue.
Civil sites A Monument to the Dead. A monument by sculptor Mélanie Quentin called "La Connaissance" which was installed in 2006. The Magayant house, a fishing museum.
International relations The commune is twinned with: Pierrefort
See also Communes of the Charente-Maritime department
References
External links