Amédée Lighthouse
New Caledonia
The Amédée Lighthouse, located on Amédée Island near Nouméa in New Caledonia, is one of the tallest iron lighthouses in the world, standing 56 meters high with 247 steps. Constructed in Paris as a demonstration of innovative prefabricated iron architecture, it was dismantled and shipped to New Caledonia in 1864, where it was reassembled and first lit in 1865. Designed by Léonce Reynaud, the lighthouse features a unique internal metal framework separate from its external shell to resist tropical corrosion. It marks the entrance to the Boulari passage, a crucial natural reef passage for ships approaching Nouméa. The lighthouse is not only a navigational aid but also a popular tourist destination, offering visitors panoramic views and a glimpse into 19th-century engineering. The surrounding Amédée Island is a protected natural area and an Important Bird Area, hosting a breeding colony of fairy terns. The lighthouse's history, architectural significance, and natural environment make it a unique cultural and ecological landmark in the Pacific.
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Astuce: Visitors are advised to plan their trip during daylight for the best experience, as the lighthouse climb offers spectacular views. Tickets can be booked in advance through the official website to ensure availability. The site is accessible by boat from Nouméa, and guided tours are recommended to learn about the lighthouse's history and ecology. Discounts may be available for groups and children. Protective footwear is suggested for climbing the 247 steps, and visitors should respect the protected natural areas on the island.
Faits intéressants
- •The Amédée Lighthouse was prefabricated in Paris and assembled near the factory as a demonstration before being shipped to New Caledonia.
- •It is the first metallic lighthouse constructed in France and one of the tallest iron lighthouses globally at 56 meters tall.
- •The lighthouse’s design features an internal metal framework separate from the outer shell to protect against corrosion in the tropical climate.
- •Amédée Island is recognized as an Important Bird Area due to its breeding colony of approximately 240 fairy terns.
- •The lighthouse's twin was the Roches-Douvres Light in the English Channel, which was destroyed during World War II.
Histoire
The Amédée Lighthouse project was initiated in 1859 to secure the entrance to Nouméa's port, especially due to the colony's use as a penal settlement.
Designed by Léonce Reynaud and fabricated by Rigolet in Paris, the lighthouse was first assembled near the factory as a stability demonstration before being dismantled and shipped to New Caledonia in 1864.
Construction on Amédée Island was completed under the supervision of Louis-Émile Bertin in 1865, and the lighthouse was first lit on November 15, 1865, coinciding with the feast day of Empress Eugénie.
It was the first metallic lighthouse built in France and remains one of the tallest of its kind worldwide.
Guide du lieu
Main Tower and Staircase1865
The lighthouse features a narrow spiral staircase with 247 steps leading to the lantern room at the top, offering panoramic views of the surrounding reef and ocean.
Lantern Room1865
The lantern room houses the rotating Fresnel lens optical system originally designed by Augustin Fresnel, providing the lighthouse's distinctive light signal to guide ships safely through the reef passage.
Surrounding Amédée Island
The 4-hectare island is a protected natural reserve featuring diverse birdlife, including a significant colony of fairy terns, and offers visitors opportunities to explore the local ecosystem alongside the lighthouse visit.
Contact
Téléphone: 96.11.31
