Name and Location

The Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron Harbor Lighthouse, located at Quai de la Pointe (also known as Quai René Delouteau), 17310 Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron, France. The coordinates are 45°54′42.4″ N, 1°19′43.1″ W.

Construction and History

The exact historic name and date of construction of this lighthouse are not documented in readily available sources. It is locally referred to as the Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron lighthouse (Phare de Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron). The lighthouse serves as the harbour light for Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron, a fishing port on the eastern side of Île d’Oléron in Charente-Maritime, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France.

Architecture and Materials

The structure is a modest square or octagonal masonry tower (height estimated under 10 m) rising from a stepped concrete base that serves as the harbour breakwater. The materials used are painted concrete or stone, with a simple balustraded gallery and small lantern room. The style is functional industrial design typical of minor harbour lights; no ornamentation.

Light and Navigation

The range of the light is data unavailable (harbour range typically under 10 nmi). The characteristic is not published in major light lists (presumed fixed or occulting white light marking the harbour entrance). It is presumed fully automated and unmanned, guiding local fishing vessels and pleasure craft safely into the inner harbour basin.

Accessibility and Visiting

The exterior and pier are open to visitors at all hours; the lantern room is not open to the public. Visitors can access the lighthouse on foot via the D735 coastal road from the town centre; ample parking is available nearby. Nearby attractions include the Romanesque church of Saint-Pierre, the 19th-century maritime museum, sandy beaches and cycle paths that traverse the oyster-farming grounds.

Notable Views and Landscape

Further Information

For further information, please visit OpenStreetMap (way/111368180 “lighthouse” at 45.91179 N, −1.32864 W), SHOM – Service des phares et balises (official site for French navigational aids), Local tourist office, Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron: www.oleron-tourisme.com, and Nautical charts: SHOM #7302 “Approches de La Rochelle – Pertuis d’Antioche”.