Name and Location

The St. Raphaël Harbour Light, also known as the Quai Amiral Nomy light or simply "St. Rap" green beacon, is a minor harbour lighthouse marking the entrance to the port of Saint-Raphaël on the French Riviera. It can be found at 149 Quai Amiral Nomy, 83700 Saint-Raphaël, Var, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France.

2. Construction and History

The construction date of the lighthouse is not documented, but it is believed to have been built in the early-to-mid 20th century. The official name is Phare du Quai Amiral Nomy, and the local nickname is St. Raphaël harbour light.

3. Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse has a functional utilitarian harbour structure design, with a cylindrical or tapered tower mounted directly on the quay wall. It is made of reinforced concrete or masonry, typical of small French harbour lights from that era. The height of the tower is approximately 13 meters above base level.

4. Light and Navigation

The light colour is green, with a characteristic group of three flashes every 12 seconds (Fl (3) G .12s). The flash sequence is 1 second flash + 1.5-second eclipse + 1 second flash + 1.5-second eclipse + 1 second flash + 6-second eclipse. The period is 12 seconds, and the range is 2 nautical miles.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse sits on the quayside and visitors can approach it on foot along the harbour wall but cannot enter the lantern gallery. Access to the lighthouse is via Quai Amiral Nomy from the town centre; it is free and open at all hours. Nearby facilities include cafés, restaurants, public restrooms, and a tourist office.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

From the foot of the lighthouse, visitors can enjoy panoramic views eastward along the Esterel massif and westward across the boating basin toward Saint-Raphaël's beaches and the old town ramparts. At dusk, the green flashes punctuate the harbour skyline.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

According to local lore, in the 1960s, the light went out during a mistral storm, and local volunteers rowed out to relight a temporary lantern. There are also anecdotal accounts recalling a single caretaker living in a small cabin on the quay (now demolished) post-automation.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is fully automated and has been since mid-century. It serves as a visual aid only, with no radar or AIS installed. The managing authority is the Direction des phares et balises (Ministère de la Transition écologique et solidaire, France), and it is listed in the NGA E 0792 catalogue.

9. Further Information

For further information, see US NGA Pub. 113, SHOM chart 6741 "Port de Saint-Raphaël", OpenStreetMap way/130475520, man_made=lighthouse, seamark:type=light_minor, and the French Lighthouse Service ("Direction des phares et balises") website.