At the western end of the Ile de Ré, and a few minutes from Saint Martin de Ré, discover the Phare des Baleines.

The great Baleines lighthouse was built as part of the major program of 1825 established by the Service des Phares et Beacons under the leadership of Léonce Reynaud.

This program provided, among other things, for the construction of large landing lights which would allow all sailors approaching the French coast to see a light wherever they were.

The Whale Lighthouse takes its name from the numerous strandings of cetaceans, very common on this part of the coast until the 16th century.

Take its 257-step staircase… It will take you to the lighthouse lantern from where you will discover a magnificent panorama: the island, its marshes, its beaches, the Vendée coast, the ocean.

More information on the Whale Lighthouse .