Name and Location

The Port Camille Rayon Lighthouse, also known as the Golfe-Juan Harbor Light, is a small modern beacon located at the western entrance to Port Camille Rayon in Vallauris, Alpes-Maritimes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France. Its exact coordinates are 43°33′51″ N, 7°04′40″ E.

Construction and History

The lighthouse was constructed in the mid-20th century as a response to the development of Port Camille Rayon marina, which was inaugurated in the early 1950s. It was built with the purpose of guiding small craft safely into the harbor. The lighthouse has operated automatically since its commissioning and is managed by the Port Authority of Golfe-Juan–Vallauris.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse stands approximately 4 meters above the concrete base, which is anchored to the harbor wall. The structure consists of a slender metal tower mounted on a square concrete foundation at low tide level. The construction materials used are galvanized steel for the mast and lantern head, as well as concrete for the base.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse emits a flashing green light with a range of approximately 5 nautical miles (9 km). Its optic is an LED lantern unit, powered by solar panels with battery backup. The light characteristic is assumed to be Fl G 3s, typical for harbor beacons. The lighthouse is not equipped with AIS/Radar and serves as a visual aid only.

Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse is located at the end of the western breakwater, accessible by walking along the harbor quay. However, pedestrians cannot enter the lighthouse itself. Visitors can reach the site from Vallauris town center via signs directing them to Port Camille Rayon (Av. des Frères Roustan). Parking and a waterfront promenade provide direct views. Nearby facilities include cafés, boat launches, and public restrooms on the port quay.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse offers panoramic vistas across the Baie de Cannes toward Ile Sainte-Marguerite. The view is particularly striking at sunset.

Anecdotes and Folklore

• According to local folklore, fishermen traditionally used the light as a nightly rally point ("le phare au bout du quai") before the harbor's full electrification.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse operates automatically under the management of the Port Authority of Golfe-Juan–Vallauris. It is monitored via periodic maintenance visits by port technical service personnel. The lighthouse does not have heritage status as a historic monument.

Further Information

For more information, please refer to the SHOM (Service Hydrographique et Océanographique de la Marine) nautical charts, Port-Camille Rayon entrance; the Port Authority of Golfe-Juan–Vallauris official website; and "Les Phare des Alpes-Maritimes," a bulletin of the Société des Amis du Phare de Nice.