Saint-Clément-Des-Baleines: Lighthouse and Coast
Accommodation in Saint-Clément-Des-Baleines
On the Île de Ré, Saint-Clément-Des-Baleines combines a striking lighthouse heritage with a coastal landscape shaped by the tides. The Grand Phare, the historic church, former salt marshes and activities at the Conche des Baleines offer different ways to experience the area.
Lighthouses and coastal navigation
The Phare des Baleines site includes the Grand Phare, built in 1854, the Vieille Tour, built in 1682, and the Parc des Baleines. Climbing the Grand Phare involves 257 steps; the 60-metre-high lighthouse offers panoramic views of the Île de Ré and the ocean. The Phare des Baleineaux also forms part of the area’s maritime history: this protected historic lighthouse is visible from the coast and was built between 1849 and 1853. For cycle rides, you can set off from the town centre or the Phare des Baleines, which serves as a landmark.
Local history between church and coast
The Église Saint-Clément combines Neo-Gothic and Neoclassical styles. Inside are a black marble funerary altar and ex-votos with painted backgrounds. The church was built between 1842 and 1843. Its bell tower collapsed in 1847 and was subsequently rebuilt.
La Moufette is a preserved dry-stone fish trap. It illustrates a traditional fishing technique whose operation is governed by the tides. The Abri du Canot de sauvetage, a lifeboat station dating from 1869, tells another part of the coast’s history. It was built at a time when there were numerous shipwrecks between the islands of Ré and Oléron.
Tidal landscape and nature
The tidally influenced bay in the interior of the Île de Ré covers 2,440.66 hectares, includes Saint-Clément-Des-Baleines and is bordered by former salt marshes. East of the town, the marshes attract numerous birds in spring. If you are interested in nature watching, this seasonal bird activity is a distinctive feature of the landscape.
Activities at the Conche des Baleines
Activities at the Conche des Baleines include kitesurfing, bodyboarding, kite flying, fishing, shore fishing at low tide, windsurfing, surfing and sailing. At Plage de la Conche des Baleines in Saint-Clément-Des-Baleines, the Cercle Nautique d'Ars-en-Ré offers E-Foil boards, windsurf boards, catamarans, dinghies and stand-up paddleboards for hire. Equipment and seasonal operations may change; check the rental options before planning your visit.
On the “Safari à marée basse” nature outing, participants discover crabs, prawns, sea urchins, starfish and small fish at the foot of the Phare des Baleines. The outing is intended to introduce visitors to the marine environment and raise awareness; it is not an introduction to shore fishing at low tide. Dates depend on the tides and availability.
A visit to the soap factory is another possible experience in the area: La Savonnerie de l'Ile de Ré is near the Phare des Baleines. From April to the end of September, it offers tours on Mondays and Tuesdays between 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Seasonal opening times may change; check them before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Breuil-La-Réorte, St-Pierre De Pérignac, Aulnay, La Flotte-En-Re, Saint-Georges-D'oléron, Epargnes, Mornac-Sur-Seudre, Les Mathes.
For the broader travel overview: Charente-Maritime.
