Ré, ÎLE DE

Ré, ÎLE DE (Rex insula), is a small, low-lying island off the coast of the French department of Charente-Inférieure, opposite the city of La Rochelle, from which it is separated by the Pertuis Breton. It is about 18 miles long and 3 broad, measures 28 sq. m., and has (1886) 15,557 inhabitants, who are chiefly engaged in the preparation of salt (32,000 tons annually). The west coast is rocky; on the east side there are some good harbours. Oyster-farming has of late become an important branch of industry (35,000,000 annually). Wine is made and exported. The chief town, St Martin (pop. 2788), was fortified by Vauban. Ars and La Flotte have each about 2000 inhabitants.