Phare de Bel-Air, Electric beacon and historical lighthouse in Sainte-Suzanne, La Réunion, France
Phare de Bel-Air is a white lighthouse with a red roof standing on a basalt cliff above the Indian Ocean and reaching about 20 meters in height. The former keeper's quarters and engine room now function as exhibition spaces while the beacon itself remains a classified historical monument.
Built between 1844 and 1846 following architect Eugène Diomat's designs, the lighthouse was created to prevent shipwrecks along La Reunion's dangerous coastline. Its construction marked a major step in securing shipping routes in the region.
The name Bel-Air refers to the beautiful air at this clifftop location, reflecting the windswept character of the place. Locals and visitors connect it to the seafaring heritage of the island and see it as a symbol of maritime protection.
The lighthouse sits on a basalt cliff with open views, so sturdy footwear is recommended for walking the grounds. Exhibition spaces in the adjacent buildings are accessible, but expect uneven terrain and potentially windy or foggy conditions typical of this clifftop setting.
In 2019, the French Post Office featured this lighthouse in a stamp collection called 'Landmarks of our Coasts,' bringing it into homes across the country. This honor reflects how the place has captured people's imagination over generations and its importance to French maritime identity.
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