Phare de l'Ilette

Phare de l'Ilette is a small 19th-century lighthouse standing on the rocky Pointe de l'Ilette, at the very tip of Cap d'Antibes in Antibes, on the French Riviera.

Where exactly is the lighthouse?

Phare de l'Ilette sits at the furthest seaward point of the Cap d'Antibes peninsula, within the municipality of Antibes (Alpes-Maritimes). Its coordinates are roughly 43.5435°N, 7.1208°E. Right next to it is a small sheltered fishing harbour, the Port de l'Ilette — officially owned by the city of Antibes Juan-les-Pins, but leased to the peninsula's private property owners, which means the immediate shoreline around the harbour is not fully open to the public.

What does the lighthouse look like, and what's its history?

The lighthouse is a cylindrical tower 13 metres high, topped with a black metal lantern. Its structure combines concrete with stone masonry. Built in the 19th century, it gained a nearby keeper's lodge in 1861. The lighting system was rebuilt in 1909, and the lighthouse was electrified in 1936. In 1989, the Direction Départementale de l'Équipement (DDE) raised the tower by a further 4 to 5 metres, giving it the height it has today.

The light has a range of 13/9 nautical miles and shows red, green, and white sectors, helping ships tell safe approach lines apart from the dangerous rocky stretches around the point.

Can you go inside the lighthouse?

No. Phare de l'Ilette is French state property, managed by the lighthouse and beacon service responsible for the country's maritime signalling network. It is closed to visitors — there is no access to the interior or the gallery. The only way to see it is from the outside, ideally from the water or from the surrounding paths on the cape.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

The lighthouse marks the tip of Cap d'Antibes, one of the most recognisable peninsulas on the French Riviera, known for its cliffs, pine groves, and grand villas. The l'Ilette point itself, with its tiny fishing harbour, feels noticeably wilder and quieter than the busy beaches of Antibes or Juan-les-Pins — a good spot for travellers looking for an uncrowded stretch of coastline with open sea views.

When is the best time to visit?

Given the rocky terrain, the lack of tourist infrastructure, and the partly private access around the harbour, spring and early autumn are the most comfortable times to visit — mild weather and noticeably fewer people than on Cap d'Antibes in peak summer, when the area can get crowded, especially on weekends.

Frequently asked questions

Can you enter the Phare de l'Ilette lighthouse? No, it's closed to the public. It's an active lighthouse managed by France's maritime signalling service and can only be viewed from outside.

How tall is Phare de l'Ilette? The tower stands 13 metres tall. It was raised by an extra 4 to 5 metres above its original height in 1989.

How far can the lighthouse's light be seen? Its range is 13/9 nautical miles, and it shows red, green, and white light sectors to help ships avoid the rocks around the point.

Is there a beach or harbour near the lighthouse? Right beside it is the small Port de l'Ilette fishing harbour. It technically belongs to the city, but is leased to the peninsula's residents, so access to that stretch of shore is partly private.