Name and Location

The Unnamed Harbour Lighthouse is situated at 1 Rue de l’Armide, 17000 La Rochelle, Charente-Maritime, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France, with coordinates 46.1558973 N, –1.1523431 E.

Construction and History

Although the exact construction date is unknown, it is likely to be in the 19th or 20th century as part of harbour improvement works. The lighthouse has no heritage status and is not listed in the Base Mérimée or Monument historique databases.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is a functional harbour beacon with a short cylindrical tower (approximately 5–8 m height) and a gallery. It is presumed to be made of masonry or concrete, painted in high-visibility colours.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse serves as an active harbour light, marking the quay on the Vieux-Port of La Rochelle. Its range is estimated at 3–5 nautical miles, typical for small harbour lights. The light characteristic is not officially published but likely a fixed green or white light, visible from port approach.

Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse is freely visible from the quays, with interior access restricted. It can be reached on foot along Quai du Gabut from the city centre (Vieux-Port). Nearby attractions include The Towers of La Rochelle, Mus��e Maritime de La Rochelle, and restaurants lining the Old Harbour.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse offers a panoramic outlook across the basin toward the famous medieval towers. On clear days, visitors can see the Île de Ré in the distance.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is fully automated with no on-site keeper. It uses mains electricity with a backup battery-solar unit for power supply. The managing authority is presumed to be under the jurisdiction of the Port de Plaisance de La Rochelle or local harbour master’s office.

Further Information

For more information, refer to OpenStreetMap feature way/119815350 ("lighthouse" tag), SHOM nautical chart no. 6728 – "La Rochelle et Île de Ré", and Cadastre DGI-FR (2011 update).