The semaphore and the lighthouse

In the 19th century, a national programme to provide lighting on the French coasts was initiated, and, as part of this, in 1844, a square 12-metre-high lighthouse was built on the Socoa point to safeguard the access to the bay. In 1863, a semaphore (or optical telegraph) was erected on the cliffs. In 1934, it had to be rebuilt further uphill due to the threats of erosion. From its 24-metre-high tower, the semaphore monitors the maritime, air and land spaces on a wide coastal band stretching from the Cap Figuier to the mouth of the Ardour River. It is also used for the recording of weather observations.