Saint Clément des Baleines
Saint Clément des Baleines in Charente-Maritime
The village of Saint-Clément-des-Baleines and its lighthouse of the same name will be a must-see during your vacation on the Île de Ré. Located on the south-western tip of the island, it is ideally situated close to the national forest and the Nature Reserve.
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Along the wild coastline and the large sandy beach of La Conche. The fine sandy beaches of Saint-Clément-des-Baleines are among the most beautiful on the Île de Ré, and indeed in the whole of Charente-Maritime. Beach lovers will be delighted. Outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers will also appreciate Saint-Clément-des-Baleines’ wild and exceptional environment.
The beaches of Saint Clément des Baleines
Saint-Clément’s coastline is renowned for its wild character: at the very end of the island, at the foot of the whale lighthouse, it faces out to sea. The côte sauvage beach, on the west coast of Saint-Clément-des-Baleines, is a feast for the eyes.
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Very rocky, this Île de Ré beach is less suitable for swimming, although there are a few sandbars near the lighthouse and fish locks.
On the other hand, it’s a great place for shore fishing, with its alternating rocks and sand offering a wide range of shellfish.
From the lighthouse to the pointe de Lizay stretches the wide Conche des Baleines beach, which joins the Petit Bec beach in the commune of Les Portes-en-Ré. As you move away from the lighthouse, the rocks disappear, giving way to a beautiful stretch of sand. The beach is supervised in summer, making it ideal for families. There are also many board sports available. The dunes behind the beach are dotted with old blockhouses.
Whale lighthouse
You can’t come to the Île de Ré without visiting the Phare des Baleines lighthouse, built in 1849 and lit in 1854! At 57 metres high, you’ll need to climb 257 steps to reach the top and admire a breathtaking 360°C view.
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On the superb beaches of the Conche and the Côte Sauvage, but also the forest, the salt marshes, the Baleineaux lighthouse in the open sea and the whole of the Île de Ré.
After visiting the Phare des Baleines lighthouse, let yourself be tempted by its museum and the listed “Vieille Tour”. Then finish your visit with the beach and its fish lock, visible at low tide.
Places to visit in Saint Clément des Baleines
The lifeboat shelter is also worth a visit: built in the 19th century, it housed the lifeboat used to rescue boats in difficulty offshore.
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Hiking enthusiasts can explore the trails of the Forêt Domaniale du Lizay or Trousse Chemise for a nature discovery experience.
La Conche beach, made of fine sand and several kilometers long, appeals to families not only for the beauty of the scenery it offers visitors, but also for the various water sports available.