Phare de la Gacholle

Phare de la Gacholle is a small lighthouse standing alone on the Digue à la Mer, the dike separating the Camargue lagoons from the Mediterranean, in the municipality of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. It sits right inside the Réserve Nationale de Camargue, between the salt ponds of Dame, Tampan and Galabert, surrounded by the wetlands, reed beds and bird colonies typical of the region.

Why was this lighthouse built?

The lighthouse was constructed between 1882 and 1884 to help ships reach the Beauduc anchorage, the only spot along this stretch of coast sheltered from the east wind, and to help sailors steer clear of the hazardous Sablon point, a spot known for accidents. During the Second World War the structure was partially destroyed, and it was rebuilt in 1947. It operated with a keeper for decades until it was automated in 1967, after which permanent staffing was no longer needed.

What does Phare de la Gacholle look like?

It is a square tower built of smooth masonry, standing 18 metres tall. The top section, housing the lantern, is painted white, making it easy to spot against the flat, open Camargue landscape, where the lighthouse can be seen from a considerable distance.

Can visitors go inside?

The tower itself is not open to the public — it remains a working technical structure, closed to visitors inside. The adjoining buildings are a different story: since 2002 they have housed an information and reception point run by volunteers from the SNPN (Société Nationale de Protection de la Nature), the organisation that manages the Camargue nature reserve. Visitors can see exhibitions on local wildlife and plant life and get information about trails through the reserve.

How do you get there?

Phare de la Gacholle sits on the route of the Digue à la Mer, the well-known walking and cycling trail that runs from Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer along the dike between the ponds and the sea. Because the area is a protected nature reserve, there is no car access — the only way in is on foot or by bike, which is one of the most popular ways to explore this part of the Camargue. Along the way, visitors regularly spot colonies of water birds, including the flamingos the region is known for.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Phare de la Gacholle located? The lighthouse stands on the Digue à la Mer inside the Réserve Nationale de Camargue, in the municipality of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, between the Dame, Tampan and Galabert ponds.

When was the lighthouse built? It was built between 1882 and 1884. The structure was partially destroyed during the Second World War and rebuilt in 1947, then automated in 1967.

Can you go inside the lighthouse? No, the tower is closed to visitors. However, an information point in the adjoining buildings, run by SNPN volunteers since 2002, is open to the public.

What's the best way to reach the site? The lighthouse can only be reached via the Digue à la Mer trail, on foot or by bike from Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer — there is no car access because the area is a protected nature reserve.