Name and Location

The Lighthouse of Saint-Martin-de-Ré is located on the western coast of Île de Ré, a small island off the Atlantic coast of France.

Construction and History

Commissioned by Napoleon III as part of an effort to improve maritime safety and navigation along the French coast, the lighthouse was designed by architect Louis-Aimé Morin. Construction took four years to complete, with its distinctive red and white stripes serving as a beacon for ships traveling through the treacherous waters surrounding Île de Ré.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse stands 18 meters (59 feet) tall, constructed from granite and limestone, with a cylindrical shape and a lantern room at the top. The structure is topped with a red-and-white striped funnel, which helps to increase its visibility from sea.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse emits three different lights in succession: A white light with a period of 6 seconds, visible for 10 miles; a red light with a period of 6 seconds, visible for 7 miles; and a white light with a period of 6 seconds, visible for 10 miles. These lights are intended to help ships distinguish between the lighthouse and other beacons in the area.

Accessibility and Visiting

No information available.

Notable Views and Landscape

No information available.

Anecdotes and Folklore

No information available.

Technical and Operational Details

The light source is powered by electricity, with a range of approximately 10 nautical miles (18 kilometers).

Further Information

Recognized as a significant cultural heritage site by the French government, the Lighthouse of Saint-Martin-de-Ré is considered an iconic symbol of the island's maritime history.