Phare du Mont-Saint-Clair, Sète, Historical lighthouse on Mont Saint-Clair, Sète, France.
The Phare du Mont-Saint-Clair is a lighthouse on a hilltop on Sète's Mediterranean coast, built as an octagonal stone tower with a pyramidal top. Standing about 23 meters tall, it rises visibly above the town and overlooks the harbor.
Construction of the lighthouse began in 1900 and was completed in 1903, with engineer Massol leading the initial work and Troglia overseeing the final stages. The structure was electrified in 1938 but retained its original octagonal design.
The lighthouse stands near the maritime cemetery and Paul Valéry Museum, showing how deeply connected Sète remains to the sea. It reflects the town's identity as a major Mediterranean port with a strong seafaring heritage.
The lighthouse sits on a hilltop with good views over the town and harbor, though it is not always open to visitors. Check local conditions before heading up, especially on days with poor weather or strong winds.
The lighthouse received official protection as a historical monument in 2011, making it one of the few preserved structures of its kind on this coast. Its metal halide lamps produce white flashes visible across the sea for about 29 nautical miles, keeping it an active navigation aid that local sailors still rely on today.
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