Name and Location

The Phare de Vallauris is a historic lighthouse located on the Mediterranean coast of France in the French Riviera.

Construction and History

The Phare de Vallauris was constructed during the Second Empire period under the reign of Napoleon III. The lighthouse was built to serve as a beacon for ships navigating the Mediterranean Sea, particularly in the vicinity of the Port of Marseille and the Gulf of Lion. Its strategic location allowed it to guide vessels through treacherous waters and prevent accidents.

Architecture and Materials

The Phare de Vallauris features five prominent lights, each with its unique characteristics.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse has five distinct lights that provide guidance for mariners: an oc (green) light visible at a range of 11 miles (18 kilometers), a white light located at a height of 167 meters (548 feet) and visible at a range of 16 miles (26 kilometers), a red light situated lower down and visible at a range of 12 miles (19 kilometers), another white light near the top of the tower and visible at a range of 16 miles (26 kilometers), and finally, a green light at the very top serving as a secondary beacon for vessels approaching from the south.

Accessibility and Visiting

No specific information available about visiting or accessing the Phare de Vallauris.

Notable Views and Landscape

The Phare de Vallauris offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding coastline, but no further details are provided about notable views or landscape features.

Anecdotes and Folklore

No anecdotes or folklore stories are available for the Phare de Vallauris.

Technical and Operational Details

The Phare de Vallauris has been listed on the French Heritage Database (Base Mérimée) since 1990, recognizing its historical significance. The lighthouse is also featured in various maritime publications and maps, including those produced by the United States National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA).

Further Information

• * US NGA Pub. 113. 2010-10-22.
• * Base Mérimée (French Heritage Database)
• * Various maritime publications and maps