Name and Location

The Phare de l'Armandèche is an active maritime lighthouse located on the Atlantic coast of France, specifically at the entrance to the bay of Les Sables-d'Olonne in Vendée (Pays de la Loire). The address is 5 Corniche du Nouch, 85100 Les Sables-d'Olonne, France.

Construction and History

The Phare de l'Armandèche was built in the early 20th century. It has been listed as a Monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture since October 3, 2012 (ref. PA85000049). The managing authority is the French "Service des phares et balises" under the Direction des affaires maritimes.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is a cylindrical tower with a lantern and gallery, made of reinforced concrete typical of 20th-century coastal lighthouses. It stands 39 meters tall above its base and has a focal plane height of 42 meters above mean sea level. The tower is white with one red horizontal band at the top, and the gallery railings are painted red.

Light and Navigation

The light characteristic of the Phare de l'Armandèche is a group of two flashes followed by one flash every 15 seconds (Fl (2+1) W 15 s). The range is 24 nautical miles, and it is visible from bearings between 295° and 130° (true). The lighthouse also serves as an AIS transmitter (MMSI 992271035) and has admiralty number D1196, NGA number 113-1180, French national reference ANFR 1325920, and SHOM ref. 8500143.

Accessibility and Visiting

The tower itself is closed to the public, but visitors can access a coastal footpath (Sentier des Douaniers) that leads within 100 meters of the base. Parking is available nearby on the Corniche du Nouch. The surrounding area offers panoramic views over the bay, the Île d'Yeu in the distance, and the rocky shoreline, making it an ideal spot for sunset photography.

Notable Views and Landscape

The Phare de l'Armandèche stands near rocks once notorious for gales in winter, which has led to its prominent elevation and range. The surrounding area features beaches such as Plage de la Paracou and Plage de Tanchet, as well as the GR 8/Sentier des Douaniers coastal trail.

Anecdotes and Folklore

Local folklore claims sightings of ghost lights on stormy nights, long before the current optical installation. However, this legend remains unverified. Despite not being associated with major shipwrecks, the tower's prominent elevation and range make it an important aid to navigation for mariners approaching Les Sables-d'Olonne.

Technical and Operational Details

The Phare de l'Armandèche is fully automated and has been so since the mid-20th century. It continues to serve as a primary coastal light for mariners approaching Les Sables-d'Olonne, with its status monitored remotely by maritime authorities.

Further Information

For further reading and references, please consult French Wikipedia (fr:Phare de l'Armandèche), the French Ministry of Culture database (Mérimée) PA85000049, SHOM coastal charts (France – Atlantic Coast), or "Les Phares de Vendée" by Éditions du Littoral.