Phare de Cap Couronne

Phare de Cap Couronne is a cylindrical concrete lighthouse standing 33 meters tall on the Mediterranean coast near Marseille, featuring a white lower section and red upper section. The structure serves as a visual marker for vessels navigating the eastern entrance to the Gulf of Fos-sur-Mer.

The current structure was built in 1960 and replaced an earlier lighthouse from 1867 that operated with different light signals. The original tower was demolished in 1963 to make way for this modern concrete construction.

The lighthouse marks a gateway to the Gulf of Fos-sur-Mer and serves as a visual landmark for fishing communities and cargo ships navigating these waters. Its distinctive red and white tower has become part of the coastal identity that locals recognize and relate to.

The lighthouse sits on a headland that visitors can reach on foot, though conditions at the site may vary with tides and weather. The location provides clear views of the surrounding coastline and the marine approach to the port area.

The lighthouse operates with a radar antenna system that provides 24-hour surveillance of vessel movements through the gulf. This technical setup reveals how essential this location remains for modern maritime safety operations.

Location: Martigues

Location: La Couronne

Inception: 1960

Height: 33 m

Made from material: reinforced concrete

Operator: Phares et balises

GPS coordinates: 43.32530,5.05306

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:23