Climbing the 257 steps of the 60-metre-high Grand Phare reveals a panorama of Île de Ré and the ocean. Saint-Clément-Des-Baleines combines this viewpoint with coastal activities and a landscape in which the tides play an important role. For planning your visit, the attractions can be easily grouped by their focus: maritime architectural history, nature outings and activities on the water.
Lighthouses and maritime history
The Phare des Baleines site includes the Grand Phare, built in 1854, the Vieille Tour, built in 1682, and the Parc des Baleines. The construction dates of the two towers provide distinct historical reference points. Another protected historic lighthouse is the Phare des Baleineaux, built between 1849 and 1853 and visible from the coast.
The Église Saint-Clément offers a different architectural focus: it combines Neo-Gothic and Neoclassical styles. Inside are a black marble altar tomb and ex-votos with painted backgrounds. The church was built between 1842 and 1843; its bell tower collapsed in 1847 and was subsequently rebuilt. Those interested in architectural history can thus explore maritime and religious landmarks from different periods.
La Moufette is a preserved dry-stone fish trap. It illustrates a traditional fishing technique governed by the tides. The maritime history also includes the Abri du Canot de sauvetage, a lifeboat station built in 1869 during a period when shipwrecks were numerous between the islands of Ré and Oléron. Together, these places offer insight into different aspects of life by the sea, from fishing to maritime rescue.
Tidal landscapes and nature outings
The bay in the interior of Île de Ré, shaped by the tides, covers 2,440.66 hectares, includes Saint-Clément-Des-Baleines and is bordered by former salt marshes. East of the village, the marshes attract numerous birds in spring. Those wishing to focus on nature can find both a seasonal wildlife-watching opportunity and a connection to the coastal landscape here.
The “Safari à marée basse” nature outing is an excursion to discover and learn about the marine environment, not an introduction to shore fishing at low tide. At the foot of the Phare des Baleines, visitors discover tidal-zone creatures such as crabs, shrimp, sea urchins, starfish and small fish. Dates depend on the tides and availability, so check whether a suitable date is offered before planning your visit.
Activities at Conche des Baleines
Activities listed at Conche des Baleines include kitesurfing, bodyboarding, kite flying, fishing, shore fishing at low tide, windsurfing, surfing and sailing. The rental service run by the Cercle Nautique d’Ars-en-Ré is a separate offer: it includes e-foil boards, windsurf boards, catamarans, dinghies and stand-up paddleboards. The rental location is at Plage de la Conche des Baleines in Saint-Clément-Des-Baleines. As equipment and seasonal opening arrangements may change, check the availability of the activity you want before making plans.
Cycling tours can also start from different points: the village centre of Saint-Clément-Des-Baleines or the Phare des Baleines, which serves as a landmark. For a visit to the Savonnerie de l’Ile de Ré, located near the lighthouse, tours of the soap factory are scheduled from April to the end of September on Mondays and Tuesdays, between 10:30 and 13:00. Seasonal visiting hours may change, so check them before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Gourvillette, Matha, Fontcouverte, Dompierre-Sur-Charente, Varaize, Geay, Thairé, Boutenac-Touvent
For the broader travel overview: Charente-Maritime.
