Phare de Chassiron

Descriptif

By the 17th century, traffic in the Antioch Channel was so heavy that the coast had to be marked out. The first tower, 33m high, was built in 1685, at Colbert's suggestion. Built of rubble stone, it had two wood-burning fires. But this tower was no longer efficient enough to cope with the increasing maritime traffic.



The second Chassiron lighthouse, as we know it today, was therefore built in 1834 to replace it. It was commissioned on December 1, 1836. Its height is 46 meters above the ground.



From 1836 onwards, the Chassiron lighthouse was equipped with the latest lighting technology. Before 1926, it was all white. Since then, three black stripes have been painted to distinguish it from the Baleines lighthouse on the Ile de Ré.



With 1 flash every 10 seconds, its eight beams of light are visible for up to 52 kilometers on a clear day, thanks to its lantern located 43 meters above ground and 50 meters above high tide. Since 1998, it has been automated from La Rochelle.



Inside, a 224-step spiral staircase leads to a platform from which you can admire a magnificent panorama. You can see the Antioche beacon, Ile de Ré, La Rochelle and the north of Ile d'Oléron.



The Chassiron lighthouse and its outbuildings have been listed as a historic monument since 2012.



Guided tours of the rocky foreshore and fish locks (reservation required; please bring boots).



Ticket office closes 15 to 30 minutes before closing time, depending on attendance and weather conditions.