[6] Small beacon towers had existed on the islet since 880, but the first proper structure was implemented by Edward, the Black Prince, as Guienne was then an English province.

It was 16 metres (52 ft)[7] high, with a platform on top where a wood fire could be kept burning, and occupied by a hermit.

By the second half of the 16th century the tower had fallen into disrepair and the hazard to navigation threatened the Bordeaux wine trade.

The ground floor consisted of a circular tower 15 metres (50 ft) in diameter, with apartments for four keepers around its inner wall.

The second storey was the King's Apartment, consisting of a drawing room, anteroom and a number of closets.

This was 60 metres (200 ft)[8][circular reference] above the sea and visible 8–10 km (5–6 mi) away, the original light being provided by burning oak chips in a metal container.

In 1790, after the lighthouse was raised 60 metres above the highest tides, Teulère devised the first turning lighting dish.

Three concentric lamp wicks, supplied with rapeseed oil by means of a suction and force pump, were placed in the focal plane of the apparatus.

The last two State-employed, "traditional" keepers left in 2012 and were replaced by members of SMIDDEST, a local association.