Phare Des Baleines St Clement Edouard Salmon

Saint-Clément-des-Baleines

A natural paradise at the end of the world

Welcome to Saint-Clément-des-Baleines, an enchanting village on the Ile de Ré where nature reigns supreme. With its vast stretches of beach, unspoilt countryside and famous lighthouse, this village offers the ideal setting for lovers of the sea and wide open spaces.

The call of the ocean for a successful escape

Saint-Clément-des-Baleines is undoubtedly a great place to get away from it all. Let yourself be tempted by a bike ride from this village nestled between the Atlantic coast to the north and west, and the fier d’Ars salt marshes to the east. Departing from the village center or from the Baleines lighthouse, you’ll have the chance to pedal through nature, with the lighthouse as an exceptional landmark. This is the perfect opportunity to explore the northern reaches of the island and the Lilleau des Niges nature reserve towards Les Portes-en-Ré, or to head south towards Ars-en-Ré.

The northern tip of the island bears the scars of the many shipwrecks it has witnessed and caused. In the ^mid-17th century, two ships ran aground on the rocks, and the decision was taken to build the Baleines lighthouse there to warn sailors of the danger they represented if they got too close. The lighthouse is the must-see site in the north of the island, which you can visit and discover from top to bottom. Yes, you can climb it to admire the majestic salt marshes on one side, and the infinite ocean on the other.

Still to the north, the Conche des Baleines beach begins a few hundred meters east of the lighthouse and ends at the Pointe de Lizay in the commune of Les Portes-en-Ré. One of the most beautiful beaches on the island, it offers the opportunity to enjoy fine sand and waters with colors worthy of a Reunionese lagoon. The beach is bordered by beautiful dunes housing some of the famous blockhouses of the Atlantic Wall. Don’t hesitate to take a dip with the family: the beach is supervised in July and August.

Did you know?

Saint-Clément-des-Baleines has a special bond with these marine mammals, who sadly came here to be stranded just two hundred years ago. And that’s where its name comes from.

From a desire for independence to a true identity with many riches

This commune of around 700 inhabitants has had a very special history. Originally attached to Ars-en-Ré, it was made up of five hamlets whose names still survive: le Chabot, le Gillieux, le Griveau, la Tricherie and le Godinand. It became a commune in 1874, becoming Saint-Clément-des-Baleines. And yet, for its inhabitants, it still remains a group of villages to which everyone is happy to lay claim.

For a long time, the economy of Saint-Clément-des-Baleines revolved around salt and vines, the two main crops of the Île de Ré for many centuries. The many marshes to the east have become a magical place to discover, and are a favorite with many birds in spring, as are the vineyards scattered around the area. Don’t hesitate to take an interest in another more recent activity: oyster farming. A few surprises await you in the oyster beds.

Vieille Tour Des Baleines Saint Clement Des Baleines Jerome Lechelle 2

The Côte Sauvage beach can be found on the west coast, right up to the lighthouse. This is a very rocky beach, making it difficult to swim even at high tide. At lighthouse level, there are a few sandbanks and, at the tip, fish locks. This beach is ideal for fishing at low tide, an activity much appreciated by locals, visitors and families alike. It’s also here that you can discover the Shelter of the Lifeboat, a magnificent heritage treasure to be contemplated, especially at sunset.