Chassiron Lighthouse

Chashiron Lighthouse on the edge of the island of Oleron was built in 1836 and still in operation. The light of its 250 watt bulb is visible from a distance of 52 kilometers. Black and white stripes appeared in 1925 for better orientation during the day when the light is off.

Despite the fact that the lighthouse is operating, you can climb up the 224 steps and visit the observation deck. From above you can see a beautiful, geometric garden, in the form of a wind rose, which is laid out around the lighthouse. In the distance Fort Boyard is also visible, though there are better places to look at it.

There are no beaches near the lighthouse due to shallow shore and high tides. But on the island of Oleron there are enough good beaches in other places. And near the lighthouse you can walk along the high cliffs, the place is beautiful, we recommend.




Getting there: a large parking lot is here N 46 02.752 W 1 24.311. Seems it's not possible to reach the lighthouse by public bus. Regular buses 6 / 6E / 7 / 8 from Rochefort, La Rochelle, Saintes, Royan and Saint Jean d'Angely go to Saint Pierre d’Oléron. Schedule can be found on this website. And here see all possible ways of getting to the island (so far only in French). In July and August there are free shuttles on the island which pass near the lighthouse. Maps and schedule can be found here.