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Cassis-The planier Lighthouse
A historic, protective monument
The Planier is the most distant of Marseilles' islands. For sailors, as for ferry passengers, it marks a point of no return when leaving the harbour. And when arriving from the open sea, it is the vanguard of Marseilles’ welcome.
"It is a lighthouse two miles from the city. Every evening, you can see it sweep the shore and the open water with its light. This lighthouse is famous across the world; its name is Le Planier. Whatever time of day you look at it, remember that at this very moment people are talking about it on every sea and under every sky. When they aren't talking about it, they are thinking about it. But while Planier draws people back to land, it also presides over their departure. Make the voyage from Marseilles, young people of France; you will go to see the lighthouse. It will show you a great route that you certainly didn't suspect; and perhaps then you will understand." Albert Londres, Marseille Porte du Sud.
Le Planier is an automated lighthouse, owned by the State, managed by the organisation Phares et Balises, and listed as a historic monument. The location is both practical and perilous. Practical as it allows an advance landmark for ships ten miles out from the Old Port; and perilous because it's a rock on which many vessels have run aground. For this reason, it's a renowned diving spot.
The lighthouse has a long history. In 1320, Robert d'Anjou ordered a «fire tower» built there. In 1774, a cylindrical tower 9 m high (13 m above sea level) took its place and 14 oil lamps replaced the wood fire.
Later, in 1829, a new cylindrical tower 36 m high (40 m above sea level) was constructed. A light using long white flashes was installed. And then higher: in 1881, the tower was 59 m high (63 m above sea level), with an electric light employing three white flashes separated by a red flash. Engineer Augustin Fresnel supervised its construction and the installation of a lens (called a "Fresnel lens"), which made the light visible 40 km away.
After being demolished in 1944 by German troops, a temporary lighthouse was set up one year later. The current tower dates from 1959, and is 71 m high. It is the only active lighthouse protected as a historic monument on the French Mediterranean coast. Florence Arthaud has acted as its sponsor.
- Christophe Naigeon
