Baleines Lighthouse - The museum and the old tower

Name: Baleines Lighthouse - The museum and the old tower
Address: Site du phare des Baleine, Saint-Clément-des-Baleines, 17590, FRANCE

Museum
History
Maritime history

Site du phare des Baleine, 17590 Saint-Clément-des-Baleines

Phare des Baleines et vieille tour — ©François Blanchard

Maquette South Goodwin — ©Phare des Baleines

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The old tower, just in front of the Baleines lighthouse, was built under Colbert's supervision and was in operation from 1682.

It was designed to serve as a sea wall (27 metres) and as a surveillance point for maritime traffic. At night, its light was fuelled by fish oil and then charcoal.
Replaced by the Baleines lighthouse in 1854, it was listed as a Historic Monument in 1904!

The museum is located in the building at the foot of the old Whale Tower.

Visiting tips, least busy times (source GooglePopularTime)
The Baleines lighthouse is the most visited site on the Ile de Ré. Peak visitor numbers are generally recorded between 2pm and 4pm.
For greater peace and quiet and less waiting time, it's best to visit before 12pm, arriving around 10.30am-11am or after 5pm.
Tip: visit in the early hours of the morning, when the park opens, to take advantage of the colours and freshness of the morning - an invigorating effect guaranteed!