Name and Location

The Phare de Cannes, also known as the Phare du Quai du Large or Phare du Port de Cannes, marks the entrance to Cannes harbour on the French Riviera. Located at 43.5451161 N, 7.0161870 E, it can be found on the OpenStreetMap: https://www.openstreetmap.org/?mlat=43.5451161&mlon=7.0161870#map=18/43.54512/7.01619.

Construction and History

The Phare de Cannes is believed to have been established in the mid-19th century, although specific archival records are unavailable. The current structure dates from a mid-20th century renovation. Although it has survived several winter storms without significant damage, it is not listed as a historical monument but remains under port authority maintenance since at least 1950.

Architecture and Materials

The tower form is cylindrical masonry with a gallery and lantern, painted white. The height of the tower is approximately 16 meters above its concrete breakwater base. The focal plane is about 18 meters above mean sea level. The construction materials are reinforced concrete for the foundation, stone or rendered masonry for the tower, and metal for the lantern room. The architectural style is utilitarian mid-20th-century harbour lighthouse.

Light and Navigation

The light characteristic is white flashes (two) every 10 seconds (Fl(2) W 10s). The nominal range is 8 nautical miles. The lighthouse is fully automated, monitored remotely by the French Maritime Affairs Service. It runs on mains electricity with an emergency battery backup.

Accessibility and Visiting

The Phare de Cannes has public access only to its exterior; the tower and lantern are not open to visitors. Visitors can reach the lighthouse on foot along the Quai du Large, adjacent to the passenger ferry and yacht berths. Free promenade access is available.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse offers a 360-degree panorama over Cannes Bay, the Lérins Islands, and Esterel hills. It is a popular spot for sunset photographers.

Anecdotes and Folklore

None.

Technical and Operational Details

No dedicated AIS transponder is installed on the lighthouse structure; some AIS data for the port is managed from shore. The lighthouse uses French SHOM chart 6400 (Côte d’Azur – Antibes to Toulon) and International Hydrographic Organization publication A-660 (Mediterranean pilot).

Further Information

For further information, refer to "Phare du Port de Cannes" on French Wikipedia: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phare_du_port_de_Cannes.