Phare de la Gacholle, Saintes Maries de la Mer
Facts and practical information
The Gacholle lighthouse is located in the Camargue, on the sea wall between Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and Salin-de-Giraud, between the Lady, Tampan and Galabert ponds in the Camargue National Nature Reserve.
It was built in 1882, in order to facilitate access to the Beauduc anchorage - the only shelter from the east wind - and to avoid the dangerous Pointe du Sablon.
It is a square tower of smooth masonry, 18 meters high. The upper part of the lantern is white. Originally the light was equipped with an incandescent wick lamp. The rotation is produced by a "rotation machine" with a motor weight and a finned regulator.
The building, very simple, was on the first floor and one floor. It housed the two guards.
It was put into service in 1884.
Partially destroyed during the Second World War, it was put back into service on November 13, 1948.
It was automated in 1996. Its lighting is done by halogen lamp of 40 watts, whose energy is provided by a solar panel.
It is now used by the SNPN, the association managing the Camargue National Nature Reserve, and is not open to visitors.
Phare de la Gacholle – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)
Nearby attractions include: The Canal.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur