Visit to the Whale Lighthouse

DiscountsHistorical sitesOPEN FEBRUARY/MARCH

Adult : €4.60 €3.68 Teenagers (12 to 17 years old) : €3.10 €2.48

Climb to the top of the Phare des Baleines, one of the highest lighthouses in France at 60 metres. Climb its 257 steps and enjoy an exceptional view of the island and the ocean. At the foot of the old tower, you can visit a museum dedicated to lighthouses and their history.

Additional information

20% discount on your entrance ticket on presentation of your activated and valid La Rochelle Océan Pass.

Good to know:

The Phare des Baleines 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 is preferable to visit before 12.00 and therefore arrive around 10.30-11.00 or after 17.00).

The current Grand Phare 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. With a range of 27 miles (around 50 km), it is one of the most powerful lighthouses on the Atlantic coast.

Opening hours
October to March: 10am to 5pm
April to June, September: 10am to 7pm
July and August: 9.45am to 8pm
  • Access by bike

    With 138 km of cycle paths, the Ile de Ré is ideal for cycling. The 3 km bridge between La Rochelle and the Ile de Ré is equipped with a cycle path.

    ADVANTAGE INCLUDED in your La Rochelle Océan Pass: get a 30% discount on bike hire.
    Present your pass at our partner Cycling Tour in La Rochelle and benefit from your discount (your pass must be activated and valid).

  • Access by bus

    Access by bus from La Rochelle in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region:
    Phare des Baleines stop - Line 150.
    Nouvelle-Aquitaine coach routes, timetables and changes

    PLEASE NOTE: regional coaches are not included in your La Rochelle Océan Pass. You must pay for your tickets when you board.

  • Access by car

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

    ADVANTAGE INCLUDED in your La Rochelle Océan Pass (adults only): €10 discount on the hire of a Yélomobile car.
    Reach the sites included in your pass around La Rochelle with the yellow-topped Yélomobile car-sharing car: book in advance for 1 hour or several days and Yélomobile cars will help you get around near La Rochelle.

    Details of fares and conditions of access to the Yélomobile service

Whale lighthouse

20% OFF YOUR ADMISSION TICKET TO THE LIGHTHOUSE