The Baleines Lighthouse is the most visited site on Île de Ré, located at the western tip of the island in the town of Saint-Clément-des-Baleines. During your stay at our campsite on Île de Ré, this is a must-see stop to discover the island from a different perspective: from the top of its 257 steps, you can take in a panoramic view of the vineyards, the marshes, and the ocean. Here’s what you need to know before you climb.
Key points to remember
- Height: 60 meters—one of the tallest lighthouses in France.
- Ascent: 257 steps to the summit platform.
- The view: a 360-degree panorama of Île de Ré, the Fier d’Ars, and the ocean.
- Price: €4.80 to climb the tall lighthouse (adults); free for children under 7.
- Nearby attractions: the Vauban Tower (1682), the museum, the park, and La Conche Beach.
A lighthouse built in 1854 and its key statistics
The lighthouse owes its name to the whales that, in the past, used to strand themselves on this point of the island. Don’t expect to see any today—these cetaceans no longer frequent the area. The lighthouse, however, is still standing. Construction began in 1849, and the light was first lit in 1854 to make a stretch of coastline long feared by sailors safer. With a range of about 27 nautical miles —or roughly 50 kilometers—its beam still sweeps the horizon every night.
The lighthouse is now remotely controlled from the La Pallice Lighthouse and Beacon Center in La Rochelle: there’s no longer a need for a keeper on site to turn it on. Its dimensions remain impressive, standing 60 meters tall with a base diameter of 18 meters. Here are some useful points to keep in mind before your visit.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 60 meters (18 meters in diameter at the base) |
| Steps | 257 steps, first made of granite and then of metal |
| Construction | construction began as early as 1849 |
| Commissioning | Inaugurated in 1854 |
| Beam width | approximately 27 nautical miles (~50 km) |
| View from the summit | 360-degree panoramic view of the island, the Fier d’Ars, and the ocean |
| Grand Phare Admission Prices | €4.80 for adults, €3.20 for children (ages 7–12), free for children under 7 |
| Featured Ticket + Museum + Old Tower | €12.95 for adults, €7.65 for children, €38.15 for families (2+2) |
| Hours | Year-round: 10:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (Oct.–March), 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. (April–June & Sept.), 9:45 a.m.–8:00 p.m. (July–August) |
| Address | 155 allée du Phare, 17590 Saint-Clément-des-Baleines |
2025 Prices and Hours, source: official website of the Phare des Baleines (pharedesbaleines.com).
The tour: the climb, the view, and the museum
You can climb at your own pace, step by step, up the granite staircase, which continues with a few metal steps beneath the lantern. The climb is moderate and manageable for most visitors, but the staircase is narrow and there is no elevator: it’s best to be aware of this if you’re traveling with young children or are afraid of heights. At the top, the reward is immediate. You’ll have a commanding view of the entire western part of Île de Ré, with the Côte Sauvage on one side, the Fier d’Ars on the other, and the ocean stretching as far as the eye can see. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the mainland.
At the foot of the large lighthouse, don’t miss the Vauban Tower, also known as the Old Tower. Built in 1682 and standing 30 meters tall, it was one of the very first lighthouses on the Atlantic coast before being replaced by the current lighthouse. Today it houses a museum that traces the history of the great lighthouses and displays numerous period artifacts. From its summit, you can enjoy another view—this time of the entire estate. Allow about an hour to explore the site at a leisurely pace, including a visit to the ticket office and gift shop.
Around the Lighthouse
The lighthouse is just the starting point for a beautiful walk. Right next to it lies Conche des Baleines Beach, a long sandy beach bordered by the Combe à l’Eau national forest. There are shaded trails here, perfect for walking or cycling under the shelter of the pine trees after the climb. On the north side, the Côte Sauvage offers a more rugged landscape, with its rocks and waves: swimming is not recommended here, but the walk is well worth the detour.
The Parc des Baleines, which surrounds the lighthouse estate, rounds out the outing in a pristine natural setting—perfect for taking a breather before or after the climb. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring water if you plan to extend your walk, and keep an eye on the tide schedules if you head down to the foreshore.
Climbing to the Baleines Lighthouse means getting a bird’s-eye view of the entire island in just a few minutes.
Pierre Schmitz
Plan your visit from the campsite
The lighthouse is located at the western tip of the island, about 15 kilometers from La Couarde-sur-Mer. From our campsite, it’s about a 20-minute drive or a good hour by bike along the bike paths, depending on your pace and the wind, which is often quite strong in this part of the island. It’s an ideal day trip that you can combine with a visit to La Conche Beach and the forest. Our campsite is open from April through the end of September: take advantage of this opportunity to fit this visit into your itinerary and explore Île de Ré at your own pace.
