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Situated on the western headland of the île de Ré in the commune of Saint-Clément-des-Baleines, the lighthouse takes its name from the many whales that beached at this spot. The last mass beaching of whales dates from 1920.
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 The lighthouse
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The Phare des Baleines itself dates from 1854, but it was built to replace a first lighthouse dating from 1682, locally known as the Tour des Baleines (Tower of the Whales). The old tower, of a smaller size and insufficient range, is one of the oldest lighthouses in France and is close by. The present lighthouse is 57 metres high, and can be seen from a distance of around 45km.
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The Ocean as Far as the Eye Can See |
Once at the top of the 257 steps of the spiral staircase, a magnificent panorama opens up, with a view of the island, the Conche des Baleines (Whale Cove) and a wonderful example of a fish lock; further out to sea, the coastline, île d’Oléron and the Atlantic Ocean. The Phare des Baleines can be visited every day of the year.
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Opening times |
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Le Phare des Baleines |
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17590 SAINT-CLEMENT-DES-BALEINES
Tel. 05 46 29 18 23
Fax. 05 46 23 03 11
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Prices |
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Adults : €2.50
Child (Under 12 ’s) : €1.30
Under 7 ’s : free |
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