A true figurehead of the Ile de Ré, facing northwest at the tip of the island, the Conche des Baleines is considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the Retais coastline. It offers one of the longest stretches of sand on the island, between the Baleines lighthouse to the west and the village of Les Portes-en-Ré to the east.
An exceptional beach on the Ile de Ré
It borders the Lizay forest, which separates it from the marshes and salt meadows of the Lilleau des Niges nature reserve. The entire beach enjoys an unspoilt natural environment. Before the first trees of the forest, there’s the dune belt, with its rich and precious ecosystem. These natural areas give the Conche des Baleines a wild setting and character, which it retains despite its frequentation.
The beach at Conche des Baleines is also popular with tourists and locals alike, as it is one of the only beaches on the island to be oriented in such a way that you can continue to enjoy the water even at low tide. While it attracts many sea-lovers and beach-goers in season, its length means that it never feels too crowded: there’s room for everyone to build sandcastles, play rackets, play beach volleyball or fly a kite.
A place steeped in history, the dunes bordering the Conche des Baleines were, until recently, home to German bunkers built during World War II, which were removed as part of coastal protection efforts: In the 1960s, they—along with the beautiful beach—served as the setting for the American film *The Longest Day*, starring John Wayne.
A family meeting place
Extending over 4 kilometers, the Conche des Baleines offers a wide variety of environments, from rocky to the west near the Baleines lighthouse, to sandy to the east towards Les Portes-en-Ré. The supervised swimming area is located on this side, just before the Maison des dunes. The first-aid post is present in July and August. Parking is available close to the supervised area.
However, the best way to get to La Conche des Baleines is by bike, so you can enjoy the stunning scenery of the Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve and spot numerous bird species as you ride along the bike paths through the marshes. Conche des Baleines Beach is perfect for families not only because of its setting and size, but also because of the quality of its swimming water, which is particularly clear and free of green algae.
Close to the beach there’s a horse-riding center, which offers beautiful rides along the conch and also has a small parking lot. The area around the lighthouse is rockier, making it ideal for shore fishing. At low tide, ancient fish locks are also revealed at the foot of the Baleines lighthouse.
A paradise of water and land activities
The vast expanses of sand on the Conche des Baleines are ideal for a variety of original leisure activities, including kite flying, sand yachting and all the most popular beach games.
On the Pointe des Baleines side, the Saint-Clément-des-Baleines leisure area borders the beach, with tennis courts, mini-golf, a city stadium, petanque courts, table tennis and children’s play equipment. The Cercle Nautique d’Ars-en-Ré offers surfing, kitesurfing, sea kayaking, paddleboarding and windsurfing sessions.
You can rent equipment for free practice, or take advantage of courses and private lessons. We also offer introductory sailing courses on dinghies and catamarans: something for every taste and age! Stay at our campsite on the Ile de Ré and enjoy this magnificent beach.
