Name and Location

The Phare du Fort de Bouc is a small, unmanned sector light located on the jetty of the old Fort de Bouc at the entrance to the Étang de Berre, near Martigues in southern France.

2. Construction and History

Built date not documented, likely early to mid-20th century (speculation). The tower stands at 30 meters above its base and is constructed from concrete with a functional, utilitarian design.

3. Architecture and Materials

The Phare du Fort de Bouc has a square or slightly tapered concrete tower with a fixed gallery and small lantern, standing 30 meters tall. It is marked by a white tower with a range of 9-12 nautical miles.

4. Light and Navigation

The lighthouse serves as a minor navigational aid marking the approach to Port-de-Bouc and the inner lagoon. Its light characteristics include six colored sectors, all sharing a 6-second occulting cycle and group-flash sequence “1 + (1), 3 + (1).”

5. Accessibility and Visiting

The jetty is publicly accessible on foot, with small parking nearby and a short walk along the pier. However, the tower itself is closed to visitors.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

From its location at the end of the stone jetty, the Phare du Fort de Bouc offers views across the Étang de Berre toward the Camargue and, on clear days, the Sainte-Victoire hills to the north.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

8. Technical and Operational Details

Fully automated and unmanned, the Phare du Fort de Bouc is managed by the French “Service des phares et balises” (not officially confirmed). Its light period is 6 seconds, with a sequence of 1 long occultation + 1 short, then 3 long + 1 short.

9. Further Information

Further reading can be found on Wikidata Q3378514, French Wikipedia: fr:Phare du fort de Bouc, US NGA List of Lights Pub. 113 (2010-10-22), reference E 0607, and SHOM French coastal charts (Étang de Berre approach).