Phare du Pilier, Maritime lighthouse in Noirmoutier-en-l'Île, France.
The Phare du Pilier is a lighthouse on Pilier Island off Noirmoutier-en-l'Île consisting of two separate stone towers. The taller structure reaches about 18 meters with a pyramidal form, while the other tower supports a radio antenna.
The original lighthouse tower was built in 1829 but required complete reconstruction in 1877 due to damage from the oil lighting system it used. The rebuild resulted in the current two-tower design that proved more resilient to harsh maritime conditions.
The lighthouse stands as a central element of French maritime heritage, recognized as a historical monument since 2012 for its architecture and function.
The lighthouse beacon has been automated since 1996 and is now remotely controlled from the Saint-Nazaire station. Visitors can view the towers from the outside, though interior access is generally not available.
One of the two towers supports a radio antenna and serves purposes beyond maritime navigation. This dual use shows how structures gain new functions over time to meet modern communication needs.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
