Name and Location

The Ilot Lion de Mer Lighthouse is a minor coastal light located off the shore of Saint-Raphaël in the Var department of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France. Its coordinates are 43°24′23″ N, 6°46′26″ E (WGS 84).

Construction and History

The year of construction for Ilot Lion de Mer Lighthouse is not documented in publicly available sources. It was fully automated from the start, with no on-site keeper.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse structure is an unmanned beacon/light tower mounted on a small rocky islet (Ilot Lion de Mer). The height of the tower is 16 meters above its base, and the focal height is approximately 16 meters above sea level. The construction materials are not recorded in official sources; however, it appears to be a skeletal metal or concrete pile beacon.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse has an admiralty number of E 0794 and is listed in the NGA List of Lights as Pub. 113, 2010-10-22. The light characteristic is white isophase with a period of 4 seconds (Iso W 4 s), visible range of 13 nautical miles, covering bearings from 275° to 249°. In red sector, the light characteristic is red isophase with a period of 4 seconds (Iso R 4 s), visible range of 10 nautical miles, covering bearings from 249° to 275°.

Accessibility and Visiting

Ilot Lion de Mer is a tiny rock outcrop offshore; there is no pier or quay. Landing by private boat or dinghy in calm conditions only is not recommended due to the rocky terrain. Public entry is not permitted as there is no stairway or internal access. The best way to view the lighthouse is from the sea by boat or from the coastal path (“Sentier du Littoral”) east of Saint-Raphaël, weather permitting.

Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding area offers scenic views of the Esterel massif red-rock coastline, coastal hiking trails, local calanques (small inlets), and the seaside resort town of Saint-Raphaël.

Anecdotes and Folklore

There are no widely documented folklore or keeper stories associated with this minor light.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is managed by French maritime authorities (likely the Service des phares et balises, Ministère de la Mer), although there is no official designation of heritage status.