Imprimer

Keeping watch over the Calanques

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© Parc national des Calanques
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© M. Berenger - Parc national des Calanques
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© C. Bellanger - Parc national des Calanques
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View over the Riou archipelago from the Callelongue semaphore station © Parc national des Calanques
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Old photograph
Perched at 109 metres high above the Calanque de Callelongue, the semaphore station offers a breathtaking panoramic view over the Calanques National Park coastline. Now restored, this building formerly played an essential role in surveilling the sea and providing communication between land and sea. 

 

A watchful eye on the sea

The Callelongue semaphore station was built in 1863 as part of a campaign by the French state to replace the Marseilleveyre look out, which had been in service since the 16th century, but it was often in mist and it had been made obsolete by the evolution in communication technologies.

The semaphore station had a dual objective: to watch for the arrival of possible invaders and ensure communication with ships and other semaphore stations.

 

Semaphore technology

Semaphore was a 19th century innovation, which allowed communication over long distances, especially with ships. Invented by the Chappe brothers, then modernised by Charles Depillon, it consisted of a 12-metre mast to which four articulated arms were attached. The orientation of the articulated arms made it possible to create 1,849 positions to which as many messages and signals corresponded! The mast and the "Dupillon" arms were delivered in kit form and could be assembled in 15 minutes!

 

An army post

In 1939, the semaphore station was armed with two cannons. However, this did not prevent the building from being taken over by German troops during the Second World War and used as a surveillance post. It was disarmed at the end of the war. 

 

Restored Heritage Site

The semaphore station was entrusted by the French State to the Calanques National Park, who wanted to undertake its restoration. Having been abandoned for many years, the building was very damaged and covered in graffiti tags, presenting an unsightly impression in the landscape at the entrance of the National Park. The restoration was completed in 2019. The National Park is now considering its use as a public reception area and as a venue for special events.

 

Did you know?

Three semaphore stations were in activity in the Calanques National Park: Callelongue, Frioul and Bec de l’Aigle. Only the latter is still in service today. Now it uses highly efficient communication technologies!

Visiting and regulations

Before coming to the Calanques National Park, plan your visit and read the best practices to adopt and the rules to be followed.

You can explore the hamlet of Callelongue all year round. The surrounding hills are also freely accessible, except when the massifs are closed for fire risk. Consult the page dedicated to the Calanque de Callelongue for more information.

The Calanques National Park entirely restored the site of the semaphore station that had been completely abandoned. Although the interior cannot currently be visited, it is possible to enjoy the viewpoint that has been made accessible.

 

Access

Go to the Calanque de Callelongue, then follow the steep path (yellow signs) for around 20 minutes.

 

Location

GPS coordinates: 43.210751, 5.355712

Video


Source URL: https://www2.calanques-parcnational.fr/callelongue-semaphore-station