Name and Location

Le Château-d’Oléron Minor Navigational Light is located at 1 Avenue de la Citadelle, 17480 Le Château-d’Oléron, Charente-Maritime, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. The coordinates are 45°53′08″ N, 1°11′35″ W.

Construction and History

This minor directional light was installed on the ramparts of the 17ᵉ-century Citadelle d’Oléron to assist vessels navigating the narrow channel between the island of Oléron and the mainland. The exact construction date is unknown, but it was likely erected in conjunction with harbour improvements in the mid-20ᵗʰ century.

Architecture and Materials

The light structure is a slender tower affixed to the fortress wall, standing 24 meters tall above ground. Its construction materials are not documented, but it is likely made of reinforced concrete or masonry faced with white paint. The appearance is unpainted or whitewashed, with minimal lantern housing.

Light and Navigation

The light characteristic is Quick flashing (Q), with a red color visible for 7 nautical miles. It is oriented towards the seaward channel along a bearing of 319°, emitted from a focal plane approximately 24 meters above mean sea level.

Accessibility and Visiting

The Citadelle grounds are open to visitors daily in summer and reduced hours off-season. The lighthouse apparatus is not open to the public, but viewing is possible from the ramparts and adjacent walkways. Access by car or bike via D26 from Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron; limited parking on Avenue de la Citadelle.

Notable Views and Landscape

The ramparts offer panoramic views over the Pertuis d’Antioche and toward Saint-Trojan-les-Bains. Nearby attractions include the Citadelle museum, salt marsh trails, and town centre of Le Château-d’Oléron.

Technical and Operational Details

The light is fully automated with no resident keeper. It remains active and managed by the French “Service des phares et balises” under the Direction des Affaires Maritimes. The official designation is seamark:type: light_minor, and seamark:light:reference: D 1278.1.

Further Information

For further information, refer to US NGA, “List of Lights, Radio Aids and Fog Signals,” Pub. 113, D-1278.1; OpenStreetMap entry: https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/121098982; French Ministry of Culture database (Monument historique no. PA17000005 for the Citadelle).