Name and Location

Phare du Planier (Far de La Planiá) is an active lighthouse standing on Île de Planier, a small rocky islet 7 km south of Marseille's coast. Its official names include French: Phare du Planier and Occitan: Far de La Planiá.

Construction and History

The current tower was built in 1959, replacing earlier structures from the 19th century. The lighthouse has been listed as a Monument historique since September 13, 2012, with the Ministère de la Culture being its heritage operator (base Mérimée ref. PA13000042).

Architecture and Materials

The Phare du Planier is a functional concrete lighthouse tower with a gallery and lantern, built in the mid-20th century. The materials used are reinforced concrete for the tower and gallery, and metal for the lantern room.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse is 70 meters tall (above base) and remains active and automated. Its light characteristic, focal height, range, and lens type are not publicly documented, but navigation information can be found in official nautical publications (e.g., SHOM charts and Notice to Mariners). The ANFR reference for radio frequency is FR:ANFR 623233.

Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse is managed by the Service des Phares et Balises (French Lighthouse and Beacons Service) in coordination with ANFR for radio-frequency matters. It is fully automated, with no resident keeper since electrification and remote control installation in the late 20th century. Public access is prohibited, as the islet is closed to general visitors.

Notable Views and Landscape

Île de Planier is a bare limestone ledge surrounded by shallow reefs, frequently photographed at sunrise and sunset against the backdrop of the open Mediterranean. The site lies within the maritime approach lanes to Marseille, one of France's busiest ports.

Anecdotes and Folklore

None available.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse has no public opening or guided tours on the islet itself. Viewing can be done by private boat, chartered excursion, or from shoreline points (e.g., Anse de la Fausse Monnaie, Pointe Rouge). Nearest on-land facilities include cafés and boat-charter operators at Port du David and Vallon des Auffes in Marseille's 8th arrondissement.

Further Information

French Wikipedia: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phare_de_Planier
Wikidata entry: https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3378334
Base Mérimée (Monument historique): PA13000042
OpenStreetMap feature: way/56047103