Name and Location

Phare de Bel-Air, also known as Pointe de Bel Air Lighthouse, stands on the rocky headland of Réunion Island in the Indian Ocean. The official address is Le Phare, Ruelle du Phare, Sainte-Suzanne 97441, Réunion (France). The geographic coordinates are -20°54′05″ S, 55°36′07″ E.

2. Construction and History

Phare de Bel-Air was built in the 19th century as a masonry tower to support maritime safety. It is an active aid to navigation and a protected historic monument of France. The lighthouse was inscribed as Monument historique (MHS) on September 5, 2012.

3. Architecture and Materials

The Phare de Bel-Air is a 25-meter-tall masonry tower with a cylindrical shape and a balcony. It features three red and white horizontal bands and a green lantern cupola. The focal height is 48 meters above mean sea level.

4. Light and Navigation

The lighthouse emits a flashing white light (Fl) every 15 seconds, with a sequence of flash-eclipse-flash-eclipse-flash. The range is 23 nautical miles, and the sector illuminated is from bearing 109° to 331°. The Admiralty number is D7084, and the NGA ref. is 112-32972.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

The Phare de Bel-Air is accessible by car or on foot via Ruelle du Phare off Rue de la Marianne in Sainte-Suzanne. The tower interior is not open to visitors, but the exterior can be viewed from a coastal path. There are no facilities on site, but nearby attractions include Sainte-Suzanne town, waterfalls, and beaches.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

From the base of Phare de Bel-Air, one enjoys panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, rugged coastline, and offshore reefs. The headland is often frequented by seabirds, and nearby coral outcrops are popular with snorkelers in calm weather.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

No anecdotes or folklore available for this lighthouse.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The Phare de Bel-Air is an automated lighthouse, without permanent keepers since the mid-20th century. It is managed by the Service des phares et balises (French Lighthouses and Beacons Authority), Ministry of Transport. The French SHOM and international charts cover Réunion waters.

9. Further Information

For more information, please refer to OpenStreetMap (way/95377265), data.gouv.fr – Ministère de la Culture (MHS PA97400019), DGI Cadastre (2010 update), SHOM nautical charts for Réunion Tranche Est, and French Wikipedia: "Phare de Bel-Air"."