Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Barges Lighthouse, located 2 km from La Chaume (Les Sables-d'Olonne), was built between 1857 and 1861 on a rocky plateau dangerous for navigation. Inaugurated on October 14, 1861, it was 31.30 metres high with a base of 12 metres in diameter, in blue granite of Avrillé. Originally landing lighthouse, it became a danger lighthouse after 1968 with the construction of the Armandèche lighthouse.

The lighthouse was electrified in 1971 by an aerogenator and then automated in the same year, becoming France's first automated lighthouse. He also pioneered in 1963 with the installation of the first television set in a French lighthouse, at the initiative of Jean Nohain. Two guards were isolated 103 days because of a persistent storm.

Ranked a historic monument in 2011, the lighthouse retains original interior installations, although modified by solar panels in 1995. Its optic, a Sautter Harlé lens, emits a red light with 2 flashes every 10 seconds, with a range of 13.5 miles. The lantern was adapted in 1978 after the withdrawal of a helicopter platform.

Built according to the plans of Léonce Raynaud, it originally included a vestibule, rooms for the guards and the engineer, and a watchroom. The vibrations of the aerogenator caused a major crack in the barrel, resulting in its replacement by solar panels. The lighthouse symbolizes the technological evolution of aids to maritime navigation.

External links