Climb the 257 steps of the Baleines lighthouse for breathtaking views

The site is home to two prestigious sentinels: the lighthouse (1854) and the old tower, built in 1682 on the orders of Colbert.
The site is open all year round.
The current Grand Lighthouse was inaugurated in 1854. It was built between 1849 and 1853 on the north-western tip of the Ile de Ré, in line with the Baleineaux lighthouse.
At 57 m, it is one of the highest in France, with 257 steps to climb for an exceptional view of the island and the ocean! This giant of the Retais has a range of 50km, making it one of the most powerful lighthouses on the Atlantic coast.

Museographic exhibition area on lighthouses and their history, at the foot of the old tower.

Maritime bookshop - Marine decoration shop - Souvenirs - Models - Posters.

Open every day without interruption

January / February / March / October / November / December
From 10.30 am to 5.30 pm

From 1st April to the end of June
From 10.00 am to 7.00 pm

Late June to early September
From 9.30am to 9pm

September
From 10am to 6.30pm

The lighthouse is 500 m from the pay car park. A free shuttle bus leaves from this car park during the summer. It takes you to within 300 m of the entrance to the lighthouse and its garden.

Visiting tips, least frequented 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!