Name and Location

Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron Harbor Lighthouse is located at 1 Quai René Delouteau, 17310 Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron, France, in the department of Charente-Maritime (Nouvelle-Aquitaine) on France's Atlantic coast. The coordinates are 45.913421 N, –1.328389 E.

Construction and History

The construction date is unknown, likely dating back to the 20th century. Although often referred to simply as the "Harbor Light of Saint-Pierre," it is officially a port navigation aid operated by the French maritime authorities. This modest harbor beacon replaced earlier wooden posts that guided local fishing boats into the basin.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is a pier-head light on a concrete base, with a slender metal post painted white (with a red-and-green daymark). The tower height is approximately 5 meters above the base (estimated), while the focal height is around 6 meters above sea level (estimated). The structure has a cylindrical shape without a lantern room, with a small fixed lantern housing at the top.

Light and Navigation

The light characteristic is unknown, but it is presumed to be a fixed or flashing green light for port-side entrance. The estimated range is 2-4 nautical miles, although no official published range was found. The lighthouse is fully automated and does not have a keeper's dwelling on site. Power supply comes from low-voltage electrical connection via harbor utilities.

Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse is open to the public by foot via the Quai René Delouteau, but there is no climb or interior visit possible. Nearby parking, cafés, and restaurants are available on the quayside, but no on-site facilities exist at the lighthouse itself.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse sits at the head of the jetty overlooking the inner harbor basin. It offers views back toward the town center, the Île d’Oléron coastline to the northwest, and the Pointe de la Fumée across the Pertuis d'Antioche.

Anecdotes and Folklore

Fishermen say the light has a steady green glow, reportedly visible through thick dawn fog, guiding them safely home after night trips. No documented shipwrecks directly tie to its absence, although the greater Oléron approaches were historically hazardous in gale conditions.

Technical and Operational Details

The managing authority is Direction Départementale des Territoires et de la Mer – Charente-Maritime, Service des Affaires Maritimes. Chart references include SHOM (French Hydrographic Office) Chart No. 1452 (Pertuis d'Antioche – approaches to La Rochelle). The lighthouse does not have radar or transponder installations.

Further Information

Service Hydrographique et Océanographique de la Marine (SHOM) official charts, Direction Départementale des Territoires et de la Mer – Charente-Maritime website, and local tourist office of Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron (www.ot-oléron.fr) provide additional information.