Phare des Baleines, Maritime museum and lighthouse complex in Saint-Clément-des-Baleines, France.
The lighthouse complex features two distinct structures: a 57-meter-tall stone tower from 1854 and an older lighthouse from 1682, both overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Architect Leonce Reynaud designed the main lighthouse in 1854 to replace the original structure ordered by Colbert, which now functions as a maritime museum.
The museum presents extensive exhibitions about maritime navigation, regional history, and the technological evolution of French coastal warning systems throughout three centuries.
Visitors can access both structures daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with adult tickets priced at 6 euros and reduced rates for children aged 7-12.
The name Phare des Baleines derives from the numerous whales that beached along the Saint-Clément coastline until the early twentieth century.
Location: Saint-Clément-des-Baleines
Inception: 1854
Architects: Leonce Reynaud
Height: 56 m
Made from material: stone
Address: 155 All. du Phare, 17590 Saint-Clément-des-Baleines, France
Opening Hours: Dimanche: 10:00 - 19:00
Phone: 0546291823
Website: http://pharedesbaleines.com
GPS coordinates: 46.24429,-1.56132
Latest update: June 7, 2025 07:32
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 are characterized by their natural dunes and conditions suitable for water sports. The Fier d'Ars Port maintains its traditional fishing activity with boats and houses with green shutters. The Salt Eco-museum traces the history of salt harvesting and the work of salt workers in the marshes. The Baleines Farm combines agricultural production with shellfish farming near the coast. Villages like Loix offer traditional shops and exhibitions on local customs. These sites reflect the maritime heritage and traditions shaping the island's identity for generations.
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 Museum. Visitors can walk through the historic center with its Grosse Horloge and Saint-Louis Cathedral or explore the beaches at La Concurrence and Minimes. Port des Minimes provides access to boat trips, while parks like Charruyer Park offer green spaces for relaxation. The region extends to the offshore islands of Île de Ré and Île d'Oléron with their beaches and the Phare des Baleines lighthouse. Inland, attractions include La Palmyre Zoo with over 1,600 animals, Zoodyssée in Chizé, and Court d'Aron floral park in Saint-Cyr-en-Talmondais. History enthusiasts can visit the Corderie Royale and naval museum in Rochefort, while Fort Boyard stands as a recognizable landmark off the coast. Natural areas like Pierre Brune park near Mervent and the Rompsay Canal round out the offerings with walking trails and water activities.
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 km
Saint Catherine Church of Loix
9.5 km
Maison du Fier
4.5 km
Couvent 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
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