Timeline

Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Vallauris lighthouse was originally designed to secure access to the Gulf-Juan entrance passes and avoid the dangers of the Fourmigue passes. In 1886, the decision to build a lighthouse was made, and a first 17-metre building was erected in 1900 in Gulf-Juan. However, due to its placement on sandy soil, the lighthouse begins to tilt, making it necessary to move.

In 1922, it was decided to rebuild the lighthouse on Vallauris Hill, a ministerial decision formalized on 25 October 1922. The new lighthouse, built between 1923 and 1927 by the engineers Bareste and Bardot, is equipped with an apparent stone pyramid tower and a large plot of land including a guardhouse. Its lantern comes from the first lighthouse of 1900.

Located at 1068 boulevard des Horizons, the lighthouse overlooks the bay of Gulf-Juan and is surrounded by exotic vegetation. With its home at 167 meters above sea level, it is the highest in Europe. The lighthouse was listed as a historic monument on 19 September 2012, although it remains unknown to the residents due to its discreet location.

The lighthouse is distinguished by its functional architecture and its historical role in maritime navigation. It also symbolizes the technical challenges encountered during its initial construction and displacement. Today, it is protected for its heritage and technical importance.

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