Musée du phare des Baleines
On the Île de Ré: museum on the history of great lighthouses, the 60 m great lighthouse (257 steps) and the 1682 Tour Vauban.
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About the museum
The Phare des Baleines estate, at the tip of the Île de Ré, comprises three monuments. The Tour des Baleines, known as the Tour Vauban, was built in 1682. By the mid-19th century, technical advances, especially Augustin Fresnel’s lens, allowed a far greater range, but the old tower would have had to be raised. It was therefore decided to build a new lighthouse.
The great lighthouse, built from 1849 and commissioned in 1854, is 60 meters tall and has 257 steps. Its range is 27 nautical miles. It is still in operation today.
The museum occupies the building that once housed the lighthouse keepers and their families, and which was also used to store the lamp’s fuel. It tells the story of great lighthouses and explains how they work, with many maritime objects from different periods, a bust of Augustin Fresnel and a room devoted to Fresnel. A nature park surrounds the estate.
Highlights
- 60 m great lighthouse with 257 steps and views over the Île de Ré
- Museum on the history of lighthouses in the former keepers’ quarters
- 1682 Tour Vauban with 360° views
- Fresnel room and bust of Augustin Fresnel
- Nature park around the estate
Permanent exhibition
- Musée du phare : histoire des grands phares – Exhibition on the history and operation of great lighthouses, with historical objects, a bust of Augustin Fresnel and the Fresnel room.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €4.80 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €3.20free up to age 6 · Rate for children aged 7 to 12, great lighthouse only; free for children under 7. |
| Groups (10+ people) | –Groups of 10 or more people; rates on request; payment on invoice. |
| Families | €27.352 adults and 2 children, Tour Vauban and museum combination. |
| Tour Vauban and museum: adult | €10.60 |
| Tour Vauban and museum: child aged 7 to 12 | €5.50 |
| Great lighthouse and museum: adult | €10.60 |
| Great lighthouse and museum: child aged 7 to 12 | €5.50 |
| Great lighthouse, museum and Tour Vauban: adult | €12.95 |
| Great lighthouse, museum and Tour Vauban: child aged 7 to 12 | €7.65 |
| Great lighthouse, museum and Tour Vauban: family (2 adults and 2 children) | €38.15 |
Prices for 2025 shown on the website: the “from” price applies to the climb of the great lighthouse alone; combined tickets include the museum.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The website states that the museum is accessible to people with disabilities; the climb of the great lighthouse is 257 steps.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 6 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €27.35 · 2 adults and 2 children, Tour Vauban and museum combination. |
The museum is presented as suitable for young and old alike; child rate from age 7, and a family rate for the combined options.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
Shop on the estate, where tickets are also sold from October to March outside school holidays.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
Up to 200 guests.
Great lighthouse: one seminar room and two meeting rooms; Tour Vauban: three indoor and outdoor spaces; park at the foot of the great lighthouse. Spaces for 2 to 200 people (seminars, conferences, receptions).
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Groups (from 10 people) and school classes are welcome during regular opening hours; reservation with a booking form to be sent by email. |
