Name and Location

The Phare de la Pietra, also known as La Pietra Lighthouse, is an active coastal light located just offshore from the town of L’Île-Rousse in northern Corsica. The lighthouse marks the rocky islet of La Pietra and serves as a major day-mark and night-mark for vessels navigating the outer approaches to the Golfe de Calvi.

Construction and History

The precise construction and commissioning dates for the present beacon are not documented in publicly available records. However, it is likely that the lighthouse was built in the mid-20th century, as this is a common period for modernization of French lighthouses. The current structure appears to be a more recent concrete tower replacing an earlier lantern.

Architecture and Materials

The Phare de la Pietra is a freestanding tower on natural rock (the islet of La Pietra). It is made of most likely reinforced concrete, which was the standard material used for French lighthouses in the 20th century. The exterior is unpainted or white-washed, with a lantern room and gallery at the top. The height of the tower is not officially recorded, but it stands prominent above sea level due to its rocky pedestal.

Light and Navigation

The Phare de la Pietra is an active navigation aid, but specific details about the light's range, characteristic, and focal height are not publicly available. It is presumed to be fully automated, with no resident keeper since the late 20th century. There is no public record of onboard radar or AIS transponder.

Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse sits on a small rocky islet (La Pietra), accessible only by private boat or kayak. There is no lifeboat landing, pier, or visitor facilities. Interior access is not open to the public.

Notable Views and Landscape

The Phare de la Pietra can be best seen from the Quai Pascal Paoli in L’Île-Rousse, from coastal walking paths, or by sea excursion. The surrounding area offers picturesque views of the town, beaches, and coves.

Technical and Operational Details

Maintenance of the lighthouse falls under the national network of French aids to navigation. There is no official heritage designation recorded for Phare de la Pietra.

Further Information

For more information, see OpenStreetMap entry “way/244775093” (man_made=lighthouse, seamark:type=light_major) and Cadastre-DGI-FR, Direction Générale des Finances Publiques, 2013 update.