Phare des Baleines
Phare des Baleines, Maritime museum and lighthouse complex in Saint-Clément-des-Baleines, France.
Phare des Baleines is a lighthouse complex with two stone towers on a French Atlantic island. The newer tower was built in the mid-19th century, while the older one from the late 17th century now functions as a museum.
The older tower was built in the 17th century as part of a royal coastal defense system. A second tower was added in 1854 to provide better guidance for ships using newer navigation methods.
The place reflects how lighthouses shaped French maritime safety for centuries. Walking around the two towers, you can sense the importance these structures had in guiding ships through dangerous waters.
Visitors can climb both towers to see the surroundings and learn how a lighthouse works from the inside. There are also paths around the buildings that are easy to walk.
The name comes from whales that once stranded regularly on this beach. Today the name reminds visitors of a time when large sea animals shaped the coastal life.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
The Île de Ré reveals preserved sites beyond its main destinations. The salt marshes of Loix and the Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve host more than 300 species of migratory birds, while the Baleines Lighthouse offers a view of the Atlantic Ocean. Beaches such as Trousse Chemise and Les Grenettes...
La Rochelle and its surroundings offer families a range of activities along the French Atlantic coast. The city itself holds several attractions, including the aquarium with over 12,000 marine animals, medieval towers at the Old Port, and various museums such as the Maritime Museum and the New World...
Église Saint-Étienne d'Ars-en-Ré
5.4 km
Phare des Baleineaux
2.9 km
Réserve naturelle nationale de Lilleau des Niges
4.5 km
Écomusée du Marais Salant
8.4 kmSaint Catherine Church of Loix
9.5 km
Maison du Fier
4.5 kmCouvent des Sœurs de la Sagesse
9.8 km
Manoir d'Ars-en-Ré
5.4 km
Raffinerie à sel d'Ars-en-Ré
5.2 km
Camping Île de Ré
5.4 km
Plage du Petit Bec
3.4 km
Plage de Trousse Chemise
6.7 km
La Ferme des Baleines
2.7 km
Église Saint-Clément de Saint-Clément-des-Baleines
2.2 km
Plage de la Conche des Baleines
1.6 km
Vieux Phare des Baleines
62 m
Kora-Karola Battery
3.6 km
Plage Gros Jonc
5.7 km
Church of the Portes-en-Ré
4.8 km
Golf de Trousse-Chemise
5.7 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-Flux-et-des-Reflux des Portes-en-Ré
5.9 km
Marais du Fier d'Ars
7.3 km
Plage du Grand Marchais
5.2 km
Plage de l'Anse du Fourneau
6.5 km
Plage de la Loge
6.1 km
Plage du Canot de Sauvetage
634 m
Maison-Phare de Trousse-Chemise
6.2 km
Plage du Lizay
3.8 km
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes