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My holidays in Ares

We often talk of Ares like an authentic and friendly village. We appreciate its simplicity, its “hyper-present” nature and its tranquility.

If I were a vacationer in Ares, I would like someone to tell me about the secrets that will follow!

With my bicycle above all

Family bike ride in Arès

On a bicycle, you take your time, you observe the landscape, you smell the smells… of grilled meats at the corner of a street, of the tide rising along the beach, of the hot bread from the bakers on the Place de l'Eglise.

By bicycle, you can ride… in the pine forest, towards the ocean, in the oyster farming villages.

By bicycle, you can get around with ease, in complete safety, thanks to the network of cycle paths and gentle paths distributed in the village.

On a bicycle, you get lost in the streets but that's not a problem since you're on vacation: you discover little-known little streets, unusual places.

An evening on the Arès oyster port

Meeting at the oyster port of Arès

In Arès, a place perfectly illustrates authenticity and simplicity: the Port Ostréicole. A daytime workplace, it is possible to meet oyster farmers and their often little-known profession.

In the evening, Port Ostréicole comes alive with restaurants and tasting huts.

What I like about tasting cabins is the “raw” side, without embellishment. Tables set near a yellow… blue… green hut, fishing nets or tiles as decoration, an oyster farmer opening oysters, a box of homemade terrine and uncorking a bottle of white wine. No need for more to have a good time.

The restaurants offer a more elaborate cuisine that showcases seafood… quality products.

Little extra: on Thursday evenings, in summer, around ten local artists exhibit their creations: ideal for a little digestive stroll.

An institution, the Arès Oyster Festival

Musicians in Arès

© Catherine Rouchaley

Ares

© Anah Lab

With the Ares Oyster Festival I find a mixture of village festival and feria from the South of France. It's summer, there are people... we want to take advantage of it, be outside and stay up late!

We find our friends or family there. We sit on large tables installed along the Bassin. Everyone goes looking for something to eat, there is something for everyone (oysters, mussels, sardines, etc.). Sitting down, with a little Bordeaux wine, we toast and put the world to rights, we dance and sing to the sound of the orchestras... in short, we enjoy a festive atmosphere!

Ares Oyster Festival

What I particularly appreciate is the “Oyster Festival” scarf proudly worn by the festayres and the rhythm of the pieces played by the banda.

If you are looking for the spirit of the South-West… look no further, you are there!

As a family, it's even better!

There are activities for young and old, playgrounds, a bathing area... and a network of professionals Family More who are committed to making your stay in Arès… a successful family holiday.

In Arès, Famille Plus station, children are pampered by shopkeepers, accommodation providers and restaurateurs. Many services are nearby: rental of children's equipment, childcare department, etc.

In summer, autumn or spring, a wide choice of activities and leisure is offered. At the moment, parents and children enjoy learning about shore fishing with Alexandre, discovering the Prés Salés Nature Reserve with their feet in the water, enjoying a story-telling on the beach or practicing CAP 33 sports activities.

Ares family
Ares

© Anah Lab