Saint-Clément-des-Baleines in a few words...
The village of Saint-Clément is unusual in that it's four villages in one: Le Gillieux, Le Chabot, La Tricherie, Le Griveauand the hamlet of Le Godinand. It became independent on 11th March 1874, exactly 150 years ago!
Its inhabitants are called, simply, the Villagers.
Its name comes from the many whale strandings which occurred on its beaches until the beginning of the 20th century.
Although long ago the economy of the village was dependent on wine and salt, today it is essentially focussed on tourism. A notable draw is the Phare des Baleines lighthouse, one of Ile de Ré's and indeed Charente-Maritime's most visited sites.
Its construction began in 1849 to replace the former 29-metre lighthouse built in 1682 on instructions from Vauban and which still exists today. It began operation in 1854. The lighthouse is one of the highest in France at 57 metres, and access to the top is via a spiral, 257-step staircase, which leads to panoramic views.
One of the most beautiful panoramas of the coast
At the top of the 257 steps which take you to the top of the lighthouse, a magnificent panorama over Ile de Ré, the coast, Ile d'Oléron and the ocean lays before you.
You can also admire one of the most beautiful beaches on Ile de Ré, La Conche des Baleines beach.
This vast beach extends over nearly 3 kilometres, from Phare des Baleines lighthouse to the Pointe du Lizay in Portes-en-Ré, forming a curve that makes it deserving of its name.
Outside of bathing hours when lots of families come for a dose of sunshine, you can admire horses enjoying the benefits of the sea to relax and the vast expanse of sand to run around on. You may encounter some of the horses from the local stables Ile de Ré Galop, whose training grounds are nearby.
From the top of the lighthouse, you can contemplate La Moufette, a beautiful tidal fishery, which is very well preserved in spite of the constant ocean assaults.
The tidal fisheries are fish traps made from stone walls. Covered by the sea at high tide, the little walls trap the fish when the tide goes out.
These tidal fisheries are part of the island's heritage. There used to be many of them on the Saint-Clément-des-Baleines coast. They served a purpose for the population and protected the coast.
In the centre of the village, a stone's throw from the church, is Le Chat Botté, one of Ile de Ré's oldest restaurants which has been in the Massé family for 3 generations. Its speciality is shellfish and fresh fish, including the famous sea bass in an Ile de Ré salt crust. With an excellent reputation across Ile de Ré, the restaurant has hosted many well-known figures. It was in this gastronomic venue that the French president, François Mitterrand and the German chancellor, Helmut Kohl had lunch together on 22nd May 1992 at the end of the Franco-German summit which was held in à La Rochelle.
Map of St-Clément-des-Baleines
If you've fallen for the charms of Saint-Clément-des-Baleines, we suggest you stay in one of the holiday homes selected by our agency, specialist in holiday rentals throughout Ile de Ré, Artemis Location
Holiday rentals in St Clément-des-Baleines
Our selection of restaurants
- 100% organic maritime produce: oysters, Japanese tiger prawns, samphire, sea lettuce, alexanders
La Ferme des Baleines, Route des Port, RD 101, 17590 Saint-Clément-des-Baleines
Tel : +33(0)5 46 29 54 43 la-ferme-des-baleines.com
Activities and leisure
- Bicycle hire
Les Cycles N, at the entrance to the Tohapi campsite, 336 rue de la Forêt, 17590 Saint-Clément-des-Baleines
Tel : + 33 (0)5 46 29 20 88 lescyclesn.com
- Stables, pony club
Poney Club du Phare, Chemin de la Salle, 17590 Saint-Clément-des-Baleines
Tel : +33 (0)6 78 71 04 44 poneyclubduphare.ffe.com
- Ile de Ré stables
Ile de Ré Galop, Route des Portes, 17590 Saint Clément des baleines
Tel : +33 (0)6 33 63 12 55 Iledere-galop
Tourist and heritage attractions
- The Phare des Baleines lighthouse is open to the public every day throughout the year.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PHARE DES BALEINES
After visiting the lighthouse, take the time to check out the coast, either by the exterior path on the left, or by crossing the lighthouse's grounds.
The old tower looks out over the expanse of sand and pebbles. Several fishermen make this their patch.
- The lifeboat shelter, built in 1869 by the Société Central des Naufragé
Its westerly position, it is also known as the "Porte de l'Ouest" is the ideal spot to admire the sunset.
Located a few metres from the Phare des Baleines lighthouse, along the coast, towards St-Clément-des-Baleines village
Open to the public, free
Events
- The Jazz au Phare festival: from 4th to 8th August 2024
Don't miss this major summer event, make the most of your stay by heading to the Jazz au Phare jazz festival.
On this year's lineup (2024): Zaho de Sagazan, The Dire Straits Experience, Caravan Palace and Murray Head !
And also for the opening night, Natural Woman (Aretha Franklin tribute) at Java des Baleines.
Useful information:
The Scène du Phare stage and the Verdure theatre are located in the grounds of the Phare des Baleines lighthouse
155, Allée du Phare, 17590 Saint-Clément-des-Baleines
Parking is at the entrance to the Phare des Baleines site (400 m before the entrance)
Full information at: jazzauphare.com
Tickets available now