Phare des Baleines Lighthouse - The museum and the old tower

It was intended to serve as a navigation mark (27 meters) and a lookout point for maritime traffic. At night, its light was fueled first by fish oil and later by coal. Replaced by the Baleines Lighthouse in 1854, it was designated a Historic Monument in 1904. The museum is located in the stone building at the foot of the Old Baleines Tower. It offers a tour featuring numerous historical artifacts related to the lighthouse’s operation, accompanied by interactive video explanations, all within a building whose architecture has been preserved. Visitor Tips: Least Crowded Times (source: GooglePopularTime2024) The Phare des Baleines is the most visited site on Île de Ré. Peak visitor times are generally between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. For a more peaceful experience and shorter wait times, plan your visit before noon—arriving around 10:30–11:00 AM—or after 5:00 PM. Tip: Visit early in the morning when it opens to enjoy the morning colors and cool air—a refreshing experience guaranteed!