Saint-Clément-des-Baleines Towns and Villages in Saint-Clément-des-Baleines

Saint-Clément-des-Baleines is one of the ten charming villages on the Île de Ré. It is a town prized for its wild landscapes, its extensive beaches and its emblematic lighthouse. Its very name "des Baleines" comes from the numerous cetacean strandings that occurred on its shores in the past, up until the beginning of the 20th century.

HISTORY OF THE COMMUNE

The commune of Saint-Clément-des-Baleines has a relatively recent history as an independent entity. It was created on March 11, 1874, acquiring its autonomy from Ars-en-Ré. Previously, this territory was known as "Villages d'Ars" and included the hamlets mentioned above. This independence, obtained after years of requests and the construction of a church by the inhabitants, marked a turning point for these communities of fishermen and farmers.

The Whale Lighthouse: Icon of the Island

The Phare des Baleines is undoubtedly the main attraction and symbol of Saint-Clément-des-Baleines. It is one of the highest lighthouses in France, offering an exceptional panorama.

Built between 1849 and 1853 and commissioned in 1854, the Grand Phare rises to a height of 60 meters. To reach its summit and enjoy the breathtaking view of the ocean, the island of Ré and the island of Oléron, you have to climb 257 steps. Its light range is approximately 50 km.

Right next to the Grand Phare is the " Vieille Tour ", built in 1682 on the orders of Colbert. It is one of the oldest lighthouses in France. Although its lantern has disappeared, it can still be visited and houses exhibitions on lighthouses and maritime buoyage on the ground floor.

The site also includes a museum dedicated to the history of lighthouses and their construction, as well as a vast park, the "Parc des Baleines", ideal for a relaxing walk before or after climbing the lighthouse.

Beaches and Preserved Nature

Saint-Clément-des-Baleines is renowned for its magnificent beaches and its preserved natural environment:

• La Conche des Baleines is a beautiful, fine-sand beach several kilometers long, ideal for swimming and water sports. It is supervised in summer.
• The town offers a great diversity of landscapes, between dunes dotted with hollyhocks, the Iraty forest, and the salt marshes where you can observe many migratory birds. It is a privileged place for nature lovers and photographers.

Activities and Leisure

The town offers various activities to enjoy its unique setting:

• Cycling: Île de Ré is renowned for its extensive network of cycle paths (over 100 km). Saint-Clément-des-Baleines is an excellent starting point for exploring the island by bike, with gentle gradients making the rides accessible to all.
• Shore fishing: At low tide, the rocky beaches are perfect for shore fishing, a popular activity with families.
• Water sports: surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, sailing... The beaches offer numerous possibilities for water sports enthusiasts.
• In addition to the lighthouse, you can visit the Whale Farm to learn about aquaculture and oyster refining. The town also organizes guided tours to explore its historic hamlets (Le Gillieux, Le Chabot, La Tricherie, Le Griveau, Le Godinand), its mills and its old wells.
• Saint-Clément-des-Baleines also hosts cultural events, such as the famous Jazz au Phare Festival in August, which attracts renowned artists.