When the tide goes out on the Île de Ré, the ocean leaves behind a vast area to explore.
Rocky foreshores, sandbanks, and small pools reveal clams, cockles, shrimp, velvet swimming crabs, and periwinkles.
It is a quintessential Île de Ré activity to enjoy with family or friends just be sure to keep an eye on the tide times!
Several areas of the island are particularly popular with shore anglers.
At Rivedoux-Plage, the area around the Chauveau Lighthouse is especially known for clams.
Try the areas near Sainte-Marie-de-Ré and Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré a convenient option if you are staying at the Hôtel Plaisir, located just 150 meters from the beach!
Alternate between sandy and rocky areas as you search for shellfish and small crustaceans.
Further north, the Pointe du Lizay at Les Portes-en-Ré is a great spot to look for prawns and velvet swimming crabs among the rocks.
At Loix, the area around the Fort du Grouin is popular for periwinkles.
The diversity of habitats means you can find a wide variety of things.
Clams and cockles hide in the sand, while periwinkles and velvet swimming crabs prefer rocky zones.
Keep a sharp eye on the tide pools: grey shrimp and prawns may be hiding there too.
You don’t need much gear to get started: a bucket, a hand rake, and a measuring gauge to check the size of your catch are all you need.
Before you head out, be sure to check the tide times and plan to return well in advance.
Ideally, you should start about an hour and a half before low tide and not continue for more than an hour after it.
Regulations also set minimum size limits based on the species, as well as an overall limit of 5 kg per fisher per tide.
Foraging is prohibited in certain areas:
From our hotel on the Île de Ré, you can easily access the best shore-fishing spots! Enjoy our ocean-facing rooms and vacation rentals.
Looking to relax? Step into our wellness center, featuring a spa and treatments!
Rocky foreshores, sandbanks, and small pools reveal clams, cockles, shrimp, velvet swimming crabs, and periwinkles.
It is a quintessential Île de Ré activity to enjoy with family or friends just be sure to keep an eye on the tide times!
Where can you go shore fishing on the Île de Ré?
Several areas of the island are particularly popular with shore anglers.
At Rivedoux-Plage, the area around the Chauveau Lighthouse is especially known for clams.
Try the areas near Sainte-Marie-de-Ré and Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré a convenient option if you are staying at the Hôtel Plaisir, located just 150 meters from the beach!
Alternate between sandy and rocky areas as you search for shellfish and small crustaceans.
Further north, the Pointe du Lizay at Les Portes-en-Ré is a great spot to look for prawns and velvet swimming crabs among the rocks.
At Loix, the area around the Fort du Grouin is popular for periwinkles.
Clams, cockles, velvet swimming crabs: what can you gather?
The diversity of habitats means you can find a wide variety of things.
Clams and cockles hide in the sand, while periwinkles and velvet swimming crabs prefer rocky zones.
Keep a sharp eye on the tide pools: grey shrimp and prawns may be hiding there too.
You don’t need much gear to get started: a bucket, a hand rake, and a measuring gauge to check the size of your catch are all you need.
Best practices for responsible shore fishing
Before you head out, be sure to check the tide times and plan to return well in advance.
Ideally, you should start about an hour and a half before low tide and not continue for more than an hour after it.
Regulations also set minimum size limits based on the species, as well as an overall limit of 5 kg per fisher per tide.
Foraging is prohibited in certain areas:
- inside harbors and within 100 meters of them
- near shellfish farms and fish weirs
- in the Lilleau des Niges nature reserve.
From our hotel on the Île de Ré, you can easily access the best shore-fishing spots! Enjoy our ocean-facing rooms and vacation rentals.
Looking to relax? Step into our wellness center, featuring a spa and treatments!
