Pointe de Richard Lighthouse
Location & Light Range
About Pointe de Richard Lighthouse
Constructed in 1845, this stone tower replaced a fallen poplar tree that had served as a navigational marker. The original light was active for only 25 years, ceasing operation in 1870 when its function was transferred to a 30-meter cast iron tripod. The lighthouse keeper's house, however, remained in use until 1953. Following a period of disuse and private ownership, restoration efforts began in 1982. The township acquired the property in 1988, and a local association formed in 1993 to manage its preservation. The keeper's house has since been renovated to house a fishery and lighthouse museum.
Why it matters: The site now preserves local maritime heritage and offers insights into the region's navigational history through its museum.
Tower & Structure
- Tower Height
- 16m
- Tower Shape
- cylindrical
- Material
- stone
Structure: round cylindrical stone tower with lantern and gallery, rising from the center of a 1-story keeper's house
Location
- City
- Jau-Dignac-et-Loirac
- Country
- 🇫🇷France
- Region
- Nouvelle-Aquitaine
- Sea Region
- prominent point on the Gironde, south side of the Gironde estuary, about 2 km north of Port de Richard
- Latitude
- 45.4395°
- Longitude
- -0.9319°
References & Identifiers
- Nearest Port
- Le Verdon-sur-Mer(8.5 km)
- ARLHS No.
- FRA-448
Construction & History
- Year Built
- 1845
Significant events: Inactive since 1870, light moved to a 30m cast iron tripod tower, keeper's house remained in service until 1953, tripod tower demolished in 1956, sold into private ownership, first restoration effort in 1982, purchased by township of Jau-Dignac et Loirac in 1988, L'Association Communale du Phare de Richard organized in 1993, keeper's house renovated as a fishery and lighthouse museum
Visiting
- Open to public
- Yes
Nearby Vessels
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