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Origin and history

The Grand Rouveau lighthouse was built between 1861 and 1863 on the island of Grand Rouveau, in the Embiez archipelago, in the commune of Six-Fours-les-Plages (Var). Designed by the engineer Léonce Reynaud, it consists of a central tower of 13.20 meters framed with two wings housing the guard houses. The materials used include Cassis stone for the base and corner chains, as well as head of the Cride for the rest of the structure. A carriageway and a schist shop complete the whole, the latter being renovated by the Conservatoire du Littoral.

The lighthouse, with a total cost of 104,900 francs (including optics), was initially equipped with a rotating optic with a mercury tank, replaced in 1904 by a fixed lens of 50 cm. Electrified and automated in 1976, it has not been guarded since that date. Its white light, with two occultations every six seconds, signals the anchorage of the Brusc and the entrance to the ports of Bandol. Remotely controlled from Porquerolles, he has been a member of the Historic Monuments since 19 September 2012, including his platform.

The architecture of the lighthouse reflects the 19th century standards for maritime constructions: a rectangular building with a semi-outbuilding square tower, typical of Léonce Reynaud's achievements. The lantern, standard type with three glass levels, and fixed optics illustrate the technical developments of the time. Although not visitable, the site remains a testimony of Provencal coastal engineering and its adaptation to the needs of Mediterranean navigation.

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