L’AGENCE DU PHARE ON THE ÎLE DE RÉ

A chic resort known as “the Pearl of Charente-Maritime”, the Île de Ré has kept its charm and appeal fully intact. Running L’Agence du Phare to the north of the island, in Ars-en-Ré, and L’Agence de l’Abbaye to the south, in La Flotte, Frédéric Aubry describes the strong points of this niche market which has returned to normality.

“The Île de Ré is a corner of paradise.” The term is used from the very start of our encounter by Frédéric Aubry, in love with this island apart, lapped by the ocean. Long prized by a handful of insiders and celebrities looking for peace and quiet, the Île de Ré has shone in the spotlight over the past few years :

“Closeness to the airport of La Rochelle provides easy access for a European clientele living in large cities. English, German and Belgian clients thus want to invest on the island, just like Parisians, for whom the destination is now only 2 hrs 30 minutes away, thanks to the TGV. The property market on the Île de Ré mainly consists of holiday homes, and 95% of houses : there are very few apartments here,” explains Frédéric Aubry.

Near the harbour and all amenities in Ars-en-Ré, this ravishing residence of 200 m2, renovated throughout with noble materials, benefits from a pretty inner courtyard and offers a perfect blend of traditional charm and modern comfort : exposed beams, period fireplaces, parquet floors... Plus five bedroom suites, spacious and refined. 1.785.000 €.

At the very heart of the village of Ars-en-Ré, this large and tastefully renovated family home offers a peaceful setting. Its living space of 140 m2 is comprised of a large living-room with a fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen, and 4 spacious suites, one on the ground floor, opening out to the courtyard. 1.338.000 €.

In Portes-en-Ré, near the beaches, this property consisting of three lots within a single land unit of over 4,000 m2, each one with its own home (from 70 m2 to over 110 m2), offers a wide range of possibilities. Full of trees and plants, the outdoor areas face full south and enjoy total privacy. 2.677.500 €.

After 15 years of experience in real estate with large franchise groups, Frédéric Aubry decided to go solo. In 2022 and 2023, he acquired two independent agencies, 25 years old, on the Île de Ré : L’Agence du Phare in Ars-en-Ré, and L’Agence de l’Abbaye in La Flotte. Agence du Phare, 110 rue Thiers, Ars-en-Ré (05 46 43 53 52) et 9 bis Jean-Henry Lainé, La Flotte (05 46 69 27 55). www.agenceduphare.com

On the subject of today’s market, he points out :

“The Île de Ré is a niche market which functions on the basis of very special urban development regulations that one has to know. This is a protected natural area where new constructions are very rare, but where redevelopment requires knowledge of these rules. We are currently seeing a market which has become reasonable again, in which prices which rose constantly for five years, by 15 to 20%, have now stabilized. The price range is now from 8,000 to 12,000 € per sq. metre. This price cap is injecting buoyancy into the market even though the trend has reversed since the crisis, with properties for sale exceeding demand. In our agencies, we have focused our efforts from the start on human relationships, offering follow-up of quality and personalized services for our clients. More than ever before, these values are priorities to be upheld in the current context”.