Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Porquerolles Lighthouse, located on the southern tip of the island, is part of the town of Hyères in the Var. Built between 1834 and 1837 under the direction of engineer Jules Dufresne, it stands out for its two-storey, superimposed architecture, built in stone of apparent size. Its lantern, surmounted by a cornice, offers a luminous range of 54 kilometers, reinforced in 1906 by a lens of Fresnel, making it one of the most powerful lighthouses in the Mediterranean.

In 1944, guard Joseph Pellegrino saved the lighthouse of destruction during World War II, an act of bravery that earned him the Legion of Honour. The monument was electrified in 1952, then automated in 1971, marking its adaptation to technological developments. Its location in the centre of a terrace and its suspended stone staircase reflect a careful architectural design.

Ranked a historic monument by order of 13 September 2012, the lighthouse includes in its protection its platform and its base, but excludes ancillary buildings. It remains a major landmark for navigation in the Mediterranean, while offering an exceptional panorama of the island, the Hyères harbour and the Maures mountains. Its history thus combines maritime utility, architectural heritage and local heroes.

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