The donkeys in their breeches have become one of the most endearing symbols of the Île de Ré.
Indeed, these animals surprise and amuse as much as they intrigue. Behind their colorful pants, however, lies a true local history, linked to the farming life and traditions of the Retais.
Today, the donkeys in their breeches attract young and old alike, whether for a stroll, a meeting in the fortifications of Saint-Martin-de-Ré or to discover the products of their breeding.
During your stay at La Tour des Prises, our campsite on the Ile de Ré, discover these famous donkeys in their breeches.
Key points to remember
- Donkeys in breeches are an emblematic and original symbol of the Île de Ré.
- This tradition originated in the XIXᵉ century to protect donkeys from mosquitoes and ticks.
- The island is also home to the Baudets du Poitou, a rare breed that has been bred for over 30 years.
- Donkey milk is used to make a handcrafted soap, much appreciated for its benefits.
- In Saint-Martin-de-Ré, in the fortifications and in the Parc de la Barbette, you can see the donkeys and buy souvenirs linked to this tradition.
Donkeys in knickers: a Reto tradition
Donkeys in breeches have been part of the history of theÎle de Ré for over a century.
Before mechanization, these animals played an essential role in the lives of local people. They helped salt workers transport salt, farmers collect kelp used as fertilizer, and grape growers move their crops.
Robust but sensitive, donkeys suffered from the numerous mosquitoes and ticks found in the marshes. Their bites could cause serious inflammation and hamper their daily work.
To protect their paws, the women came up with a simple and effective idea: salvage old clothes, such as shirts or pants, to cover the animals’ legs.
Thus was born the tradition of donkeys in breeches. Practical and ingenious, this gesture quickly became a local custom, today transformed into a symbol of the island.
Baudets du Poitou, a rare and emblematic breed
When we talk about donkeys in breeches, we’re also talking about the Baudets du Poitou, an ancient breed renowned for its long, woolly coat. On the Ile de Ré, these animals have been raised with care and passion for over 30 years.
This living heritage almost disappeared with the mechanization of agriculture. Fortunately, local breeders have chosen to
Visitors discover both a rare species and a local tradition. Observing the donkeys in their breeches is a simple and concrete way to understand theattachment of the Rétais people to their animals.
Donkey milk soap: a local treasure
The milk produced by donkeys is at the origin of a traditional skill that has developed on the Île de Ré: soap-making. Used since Antiquity for its properties, donkey milk is naturally rich in vitamins and minerals beneficial to the skin.
On the island, an artisan soap factory processes this milk using the traditional cold saponification method. This gentle process preserves all the qualities of the milk and vegetable oils used. Each soap is molded, cut and left to cure for several weeks before being sold in the boutique.
Appreciated for their moisturizing and soothing effect, these soaps have become one of the island’s emblematic products. They’re easy to find, especially in the Parc de la Barbette, and you’ll leave with an authentic souvenir of the donkeys in their breeches!
Practical information for meeting the donkeys in knickers
Donkeys in breeches are an integral part of the Saint-Martin-de-Ré landscape. They can be seen in the fortifications, where they help maintain the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
To extend your discovery, head to Parc de la Barbette, near the port. This is where the
- Parc de la Barbette store: open daily from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm.
- Savonnerie artisanale: open Tuesday to Sunday, 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
- Address of soap factory: Route de Saint-Martin, D201E3, 17580 Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré
Here you can meet the donkeys in their breeches, discover their history and leave with an authentic souvenir of the Île de Ré.
When you stay at our La Tour des Prises campsite on the Ile de Ré, you’ll be ideally placed to meet these famous donkeys in their breeches!
