{"id":21567,"date":"2024-07-18T12:05:04","date_gmt":"2024-07-18T10:05:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/madeincamp.fr\/le-fief-melin\/made-in-travel\/chassiron-lighthouse\/"},"modified":"2025-02-25T13:57:13","modified_gmt":"2025-02-25T12:57:13","slug":"phare-de-chassiron","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/madeincamp.fr\/en\/made-in-travel\/phare-de-chassiron\/","title":{"rendered":"Chassiron lighthouse"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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History of the lighthouse<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On the territory of Saint-Denis d’Ol\u00e9ron, at the northern tip of the island, the Chassiron lighthouse has become emblematic with its black stripes<\/strong>, recognizable from afar, guarding the sandy beaches of the Atlantic coast in Poitou-Charentes. But they didn’t always exist! Thehistory of the Chassiron lighthouse<\/strong> began in 1685 with the construction, under Colbert, of a 30-metre-high sea tower: at the entrance to the Pertuis d’Antioche, its purpose was to guide sailors<\/strong> between the Charente estuary and the Rochefort arsenal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nearly two centuries later, the construction of a new lighthouse<\/strong> became necessary due to the increase in sea traffic and the erosion of the cliffs. The 46-metre-high Chassiron lighthouse was built in 1836 and can be seen from afar. It is an effective means of protecting passing ships. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Originally white, the lighthouse was not clad in black lines until the 1920s, in order to enhance its visibility and distinguish it from the grey-clad Baleines lighthouse on the Ile de R\u00e9. The optic was electrified in 1930. The lighthouse continued to be manned until 1998. It is now fully automated.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Visit the Chassiron lighthouse<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Chassiron lighthouse<\/a> is open to the public: a must-see when visiting the island of Oleron<\/a>! On the first floor, the lighthouse rotunda houses a museum. The former apartments of the lighthouse’s successive keepers have been transformed into a fascinating show trail. The tour is audio-guided. In around half an hour, you’ll discover life on the island over the centuries and the particularities of the seafaring profession. The rotunda is surrounded by a pleasantly landscaped formal garden. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then it’s time to climb the 224 steps up to the optic. From the top of the lighthouse, you can enjoy an exceptional view<\/strong> over a large part of the island, the Pertuis d’Antioche and the mainland coast. You can also admire the islands of R\u00e9 and Aix, and Fort Boyard<\/a>. In July and August, it’s also possible to enjoy a guided tour of the lighthouse by night<\/strong>, with the spectacle of sunset followed by the lighting of the lantern. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guided tours are also organized around the lighthouse, to discover the marine and coastal environment of the Pointe de Chassiron. These nature outings focus on therocky foreshore<\/strong> at the foot of the cliffs, fish locks and edible seaweed. You can also discover it from the cycle paths running alongside the salt marshes and the Atlantic Ocean seafront. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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Information, prices and opening hours<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Chassiron lighthouse is located 24 km from the \u00cele d’Ol\u00e9ron<\/a> Made in Camp Le Fief Melin<\/a> campsite, on the north side of the island, after Saint-Pierre and Saint-Georges-d’Ol\u00e9ron. It is open to visitors every day, mornings and afternoons from March to October, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. non-stop in July and August. Outdoor guided tours last 2 to 3 hours. Night tours of the lighthouse<\/strong> are only available during the summer months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n