Phare des Baleines

Phare des Baleines is a 57-metre lighthouse standing at the western tip of Île de Ré, right by the town of Saint-Clément-des-Baleines (Le Gillieux) in the Charente-Maritime department. It is one of the island's most recognisable landmarks, drawing nearly 160,000 visitors up its steps every year.

Where does the name come from?

"Phare des Baleines" translates to "Lighthouse of the Whales," a nod to the whales that regularly stranded on the shallows near Saint-Clément-des-Baleines until the early 20th century. This natural phenomenon gave its name to both the town and the lighthouse, even though whales no longer beach here today.

How was the lighthouse built?

The current tall tower was built between 1849 and 1854 to strengthen maritime signalling at this hazardous stretch of coast, at the entrance to the Pertuis Breton strait, where currents and sandbanks had long threatened passing ships. It replaced an older, shorter tower inspired by Vauban-style fortification design, which had been in service since 1682. That older tower still stands right next to the new one and is open to visitors.

What will you see on site?

The main draw is the climb of 257 steps to the top of the lighthouse — 216 steps cut from blue Kersanton granite and 41 metal steps leading up to the viewing gallery. From the top, the panorama stretches across the whole island and the ocean, and on a clear day you can even make out Fort Boyard on the horizon.

The lighthouse beam carries over 50 kilometres, making it one of the more significant lighthouses on France's Atlantic coast. Before heading up, it's worth stopping at the lighthouse museum housed in the old 17th-century tower, which tells the story of maritime signalling and navigation markers in a way that works well for both children and adults.

How do you get there?

Phare des Baleines sits at the very western end of Île de Ré, in the commune of Saint-Clément-des-Baleines. The island is connected to the mainland by the Île de Ré bridge, reachable by car, bicycle, or bus from La Rochelle. There is parking on site, and the final stretch to the lighthouse is best covered on foot or by bike — a popular leg of the island's cycling routes.

When should you visit?

The lighthouse and its grounds are open all year round, though clear, calm weather gives the best visibility from the top. The site gets busy in summer, so arriving early in the day or outside peak holiday weeks helps you avoid queues on the narrow staircase.

Frequently asked questions

How many steps lead to the top of the lighthouse? 257 steps in total — 216 in Kersanton granite and 41 metal ones — leading to the viewing gallery at 57 metres.

Can you visit the old 17th-century tower? Yes, the older tower standing next to the new lighthouse now houses a museum on the history of maritime signalling and navigation markers.

Where does the name "Phare des Baleines" come from? From the whales that repeatedly stranded on the shallows near Saint-Clément-des-Baleines until the early 20th century.

How far does the lighthouse's beam reach? Over 50 kilometres, making it one of the most important lighthouses on France's Atlantic coast.