Conche des Baleines beach
the beach is owned by Charente-Maritime Department and territorially is part of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. It is situated next to the village of Saint Clement de Balonier in the western part of the island of Re, which is connected to mainland France by a giant three-kilometer bridge. 30 km of land, washed on all sides by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, is a favorite vacation place for Parisians and the French elite. In recent years, tourists have also reached it and have appreciated primordial landscapes, exquisite local cuisine and wild picturesque beaches.
Photos
Beach description
Conche des Baleines is the biggest and most beautiful beach on the island. It extends for a few kilometers from the westernmost point of Re, where the ancient lighthouse and the Whale tower are situated, and pushes against the beaches of Lizay and Petit Bec. A quite long territory of beach line is covered with the soft white sand, against which the heavenly blue of the ocean seems even brighter and more fancy. The beach is surrounded by high sandy dunes and pine forest, beyond which reserved salt marshes extend, a favourite place for rare species of birds.
Near the lighthouse, the beach is rocky, that's why this area is usually occupied by fishermen. During low tides, the bottom is like sharp pumice, that's why you can only walk here wearing special shoes. Further, the situation changes drastically: the bottom becomes as sandy and easy as the beach, and the strength of the waves is markedly reduced. It is the perfect place for vacation with children who love splashing around in shallow water and sculpt fancy shapes from sand.
The beach is wild and equipped only with garbage cans and several toilets. Nevertheless, there are several rescue stations and medical emergency station.
Dogs are allowed but exclusively on a leash and from 7pm to 9am. You may stay on the beach with tents, bonfires are strictly prohibited, and the beach policy monitors it carefully.
Due to the lack of proper beach infrastructure, Conche des Baleines cannot compete for the Blue Flag, but it has European Certificate of Seawater Quality.
When is the best time to go?
It is possible to relax in France at any time of the year, the time of the trip depends more on your preferences. Summer - a great time to travel to the sea. Thanks to the Mediterranean climate, even on the southern French Riviera is not hot weather. In winter , people go to ski resorts in France. It should be be mindful that in summer and winter in France there is a high season, respectively, prices soar. To enjoy the excursions, choose the time from February to April or from September to November, when both in the north and in the south it is not very crowded. If you go to the French Riviera in September, you will never lose: You will find a time when the weather is still warm and the prices are not so high.
Video: Beach Conche des Baleines
Infrastructure
You can do surfing and kitesurfing, water ski and scooter, rent a boat or yacht to enjoy the wiev of picturesque beach from the sea.
Just 200 meters from the beach, not far away from the parking, there is a equestrian club that organizes horseback riding along the beach. As the island is small, it easy to ride around on a bicycle, therefore, rental locations for this vehicle can be met at every turn.
In order to fully enjoy an amazing atmosphere of peace and seclusion prevailing in these places, tourists prefer to stay in small, authentic hotels and villas with a warm home environment. One of such alternatives is a small two-storey apartment hotel Residence Les Dunes located within walking distance of the beach. Guests are offered comfortable rooms with kitchenettes with modern household appliances, shady garden with a snug veranda, and barbecue area. In the lounge area you can read books, newspapers, and play boardgames. Walking distance from the hotel, a walking trail to the pine forest and reserved swamps begins, and five minutes by car, there is an 18-hole golf club.
Weather in Conche des Baleines
Best hotels of Conche des Baleines
All hotels of Conche des BaleinesUseful information
The main attraction of Re island is a 60 meters high old lighthouse and the Whale tower which was built in the 17th century. It is named after two giant marine animals that were entangled nearby in fishnets. Today in the tower, there is a Whale museum as well as an exposition of the local museum of local lore museum with a unique collection of ancient artifacts.
The lighthouse operates, it has an observation deck to which 257 steps lead. You can see almost the whole island from it, and the ocean and the beaches look so gorgeous under the rays of the setting sun. In August, In the vicinity of the lighthouse, Jazz au Phare international festival is held, and performers from all over Europe come here. Music holiday asts for several days and is accompanied by colorful representations, fireworks and fire shows that in the local entourage look absolutely fantastic.
The island is also famous for its well-known marine farms where they grow France's best mussels and oysters. Local fish markets are striking because of their abundance, and menus in restaurants offer an unprecedented assortment of fresh fish dishes.