The Sanguinaires lighthouse is an emblematic lighthouse located on the Sanguinaires archipelago, a group of islands off the west coast of Corsica, around 6 kilometres from the town of Ajaccio.

The Sanguinaires archipelago is made up of several islets: the islet of Isola di Porri or I Porri (the islet of leeks), the islet (a large rock) U Sbiru, the islet Isoloto, the islet Oga or Isulu di l'Oca (the islet of cormorants), the Isola Cala d'Alga islet and, finally, the large main islet Mezu Mare or Grande Sanguinaire, which marks the entrance to the Gulf of Ajaccio.

History and construction of the Sanguinaires lighthouse

The Sanguinaires lighthouse was built in 1870 to make shipping safer around Corsica, an area renowned for its dangerous reefs and strong currents, particularly for ships travelling between Ajaccio and other Mediterranean ports. It is located at the top of the island of La Grande Sanguinaire or ilôt Mezu Mare.

Architecture of the Sanguinaires lighthouse

The Sanguinaires lighthouse is a stone structure with a large white circular tower rising 150 metres above sea level. It is fitted with a Fresnel lens, which emits a beam of light visible for miles out to sea, with a distinctive glow to help sailors find their way at night.

Technical characteristics of the Sanguinaires lighthouse

• Height: The lighthouse tower is around 25 metres high.
• The Îles Sanguinaires lighthouse was electrified in 1952, automated in 1984 and is now remotely controlled.
• Light: 3-flash white light emitting every 15 seconds at 24 miles, produced by a 180W halogen lamp in a 0.5m focal length lens with 6 1/6th panels.
• Alt: Located at an altitude of 150 metres, it overlooks the Sanguinaires archipelago and is a highly visible landmark from Ajaccio.
• Geographical coordinates are 41°52.411‘ N - 08°35.452’ E.

Legend and origin of the name of the Sanguinaires lighthouse

The name of the archipelago, Les Sanguinaires, probably comes from the spectacular colours of the sunsets that illuminate the archipelago, giving the place a reddish hue reminiscent of blood. Some popular legends also associate the name with violent events or sea battles, but it is more likely to refer to the unique visual aspect of the islands, particularly at sunset.

Numerous travellers' accounts have highlighted the Phare des Sanguinaires, one of the most famous being that byAlphonse Daudet in Lettres de mon moulin entitled Le Phare des Sanguinaires, which evokes traces of life on these wild islands.

The Sanguinaires lighthouse today

The Sanguinaires lighthouse is in operation to guide ships in this maritime zone, and is an important symbol of Corsica's maritime heritage. It is also an iconic site for visitors to the region, attracting many tourists thanks to its spectacular position and its breathtaking views over the Mediterranean Sea and the city of Ajaccio.

Accessibility of the Sanguinaires lighthouse

Although the lighthouse itself is not open to visitors, it is accessible by boat from Ajaccio. Numerous maritime excursions allow visitors to discover the islands and see the lighthouse up close. It can also be seen from the coast, particularly from the beaches and viewpoints around Ajaccio.

The Sanguinaires lighthouse remains a place steeped in history, legend and natural beauty, offering both a testimony to Corsica's maritime past and a magnificent tourist attraction.