Name and Location

Phare du Fort de Brescou is located on the Île de Brescou, off the coast of Agde in southern France.

Construction and History

The Phare du Fort de Brescou lighthouse was constructed between 1834 and 1836. This historic structure has been guiding mariners for over 180 years, making it an important part of maritime heritage.

Architecture and Materials

The Phare du Fort de Brescou is a notable example of French architectural style, with its unique combination of medieval and Renaissance elements. The lighthouse's tower rises to a height of approximately 22 meters (72 feet) above sea level.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse features two distinct light sources: one red and one white. The red light has a range of 10 nautical miles and is displayed every 6 seconds, while the white light has a range of 13 nautical miles and is also displayed every 6 seconds. This characteristic pattern is denoted as Fl (1+3) W.15s.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse's grounds, which offer stunning views of the surrounding Mediterranean Sea. However, the tower itself is not open to the public for safety reasons.

Notable Views and Landscape

The Phare du Fort de Brescou offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and its surroundings.

Anecdotes and Folklore

No anecdotes or folklore available.

Technical and Operational Details

The Phare du Fort de Brescou was originally operated manually by lighthouse keepers, but it has since been automated to ensure consistent and reliable guidance for mariners. Although the original light source is no longer in use, the structure remains an important part of maritime history and a popular tourist attraction.

Further Information

The Phare du Fort de Brescou has been recognized as an important historical landmark and is listed in the French National Heritage register (FR:ANFR).