In ancient times a tiny fishing village, La Flotte built up around the construction of the château des Mauléons, near the present-day church.

Little by little through the years, the village grew with the new landing port  built in the eighteenth century by Gabriel Sénac de Meilhan, intendant of the l'île de Ré during the reign of Louis XV. Trade was prosperous as can be seen by the presence of the lovely houses along the street 'cours Félix Faure'.

The tower marking the deep water approach channel is a reminder that before railways, trade ships sailed here - from Norway, Holland, Spain and even America to buy salt, vinegar, wines and spirits.

From La Flotte, the rest of the island is easy to discover, vinyards of Sainte Marie, the ramparts of Saint-Martin, La Couarde, Loix, Ars and its salt marshes, le phare des baleines lighthouse, beaches, fishing and much more. La Flotte is a favourite stopover for mariners who readily identify it by its church tower and its beautiful port. The characteristic harbour wall dates from 1840.
It extends alond a curve 200 metres long to the lighthouse, 9 metres tall visible from 15km away. Along the quays, pleasure craft and fishing vessels bring the port to life with the rhythm of the tides, the seasons and the wind which makes the rigging and weather-vanes sparkle and sing!  Welcoming café terraces abound as do varied and fascinating shops in the town.

La Flotte market...The most characteristic of the island!The charming indoor market is the heart of the village, surrounded by pedestrianised streets. A convivial and delightful place to visit.The paved courtyard of the market alone, surrounded by its picturesque market halls, is worth taking the time to see.