Lighting renovation in Bonifacio, a medieval heritage town
Melyn Dreysse
Interview with the Mayor, Mr. Orsucci
Situated at the southernmost tip of Corsica, Bonifacio’s spectacular cliffs and remarkable historical heritage make it an enchanting place to visit. Aware of the influx of tourists and the richness of its environment, the commune has undertaken a major renovation of its public lighting between 2022 and 2024, with three key objectives in mind: safety, energy savings and the enhancement of its unique architecture.
“The priority was to ensure public safety. In Bonifacio, a medieval town that attracts a lot of tourists, the renovation had to combine high aesthetic standards with a sustainable approach. This joint energy-saving project was a challenge we were proud to take up collectively, because today, as we stroll the streets of Bonifacio, it’s clear that the challenge has been met with success: the almost total transformation of the street lighting has enabled us to offer residents a totally renovated living environment.”, says Mayor Jean-Charles Orsucci.
Around 600 RAGNI luminaires were replaced point by point, with a color temperature of 2700 K, which is more respectful of the night environment.
In the citadel, a warmer lighting scheme was chosen, combining temperatures of 2200 K and 2700 K to create an enhanced night-time ambience.
In addition, more than 300 LEC-brand fixtures now illuminate the Upper Town, including the 1750 BOURGOGNE reference, recognizable by its customized studs emblazoned with the Bonifacio coat of arms.
Technical and local synergy
Faced with an ageing network and tourist numbers exceeding two million visitors per year, the city worked in collaboration with the Syndicat d’Énergie de la Corse-du-Sud (SD2A) and GROUPE RAGNI.
“This process had already begun in 2015 with an energy audit, which enabled us to integrate safety issues and coordinate the work with the renovation of the Upper-Town. Thanks to the support of the SDE2A and a solid, responsive and committed team, we were able to anticipate heritage and technical constraints and meet residents’ expectations for this phase of renovation. I’ll never forget the satisfaction felt by all those involved in this fine project at the end of the work – the symbiosis between the teams was important in tackling this modernization.”, stresses Christelle Longuet, General Manager of Bonifacio’s technical services.
The SDE2A played a central role in this project, assuming full responsibility for project management, financing and technical coordination with the municipalities, as was the case in Bonifacio. Thanks to its expertise, investment capacity and strategic support, it was able to provide the commune with access to effective and appropriate solutions, even in the absence of external subsidies.
“In the Upper Town project, we took part in securing the networks and enhancing this heritage. This project involved the installation of 120 BONI lanterns, 22 recessed spotlights, 5.2 km of network, a point-to-point remote management system and 1.1 km of fiber optics. For the renovation operation, it represents 117 communes and 25 million euros with the support of EDF AGIR PLUS, the ERDF for the first parts and the Green Fund. Bonifacio thus benefited from 1.57 million euros from the Syndicat out of a total expenditure of 2 million, which is considerable,” explains Pierre-Paul Cesari, General Director of Services at the Syndicat.
When the city inspires new designs: BONI and CORSICA
The highlight of the project: the creation of a custom lighting fixture. Régis Clouzet, lighting designer at l’agence Lumière explains: “As part of an initiative to enhance Bonifacio’s nocturnal identity, we worked with the Architectes des Bâtiments de France to adapt a standard lighting fixture. The challenge was to create a contemporary solution respectful of the ancient heritage, drawing inspiration from the shape and volume of the bastion to create a unique design. After several prototypes, technical feasibility was assured thanks to collaboration with RAGNI’s design office, resulting in a specific luminaire that is now an integral part of the town’s identity.”
Right from the start of the project, a number of technical constraints became apparent, particularly in certain areas of the citadel that were inaccessible to traditional lighting. A series of tests was carried out in collaboration with several manufacturers, among whom LEC stood out by proposing a solution adapted to great heights. Their response, with the development of the CORSICA luminaire, made it possible to go beyond simple beaconing functions to meet the site’s requirements. Thanks to close collaboration between design offices, designers and local companies, a tailor-made luminaire was created, incorporating specific optics to suit the constraints of each space.
This tailor-made work by LEC’s design team, which has become a Bonifacio landmark, has paved the way for new projects, such as the illumination of the Church of Saint-Dominique, consolidating the success and scope of the initial project.
“The night-time illumination of this church is undoubtedly what makes all the difference and contributes greatly to its success, particularly during the Christmas season. In fact, it’s this image that is systematically highlighted on the Internet.” Mayor Jean-Charles Orsucci.
A dual objective: protecting the environment while saving energy
The town has also developed a sustainable lighting charter to raise awareness among local users, particularly of the impact of lighting private gardens and commercial signs.
As Bonifacio is located in a marine protected area, it was essential to take special precautions to avoid lighting up the seabed.
“We opted for low color temperature light sources, combined with intelligent management, to limit light pollution. Today, the Upper Town is equipped to enable lighting modulation, in particular dimming. We are currently working with residents to identify possible improvements, determine the most appropriate time slots and so on. It’s essential that everyone feels concerned and fully involved in this process”, says Christelle Longuet, General Manager of Bonifacio’s technical services.
A project with a bright future
In view of the results already achieved in the Upper Town, the municipality estimates that the reduction in energy consumption will reach 80%. An achievement that Bonifacians and visitors alike will appreciate.
“These savings will enable the commune to increase its cash flow and reinvest. This street lighting renovation meets three major challenges: heritage, environment and energy. I’d like to thank the RAGNI company, which responded quickly and professionally to a complex contract. It adapted quickly and was a true partner in public action.” Pierre-Paul Cesari, General Manager of the Syndicat.
The Mayor concludes: “There’s no such thing as a small issue when it comes to energy and lighting. What we’ve done here is a collective success. Since the lights went on, the feedback has been very positive: no more lighting problems, even when it’s raining, and a real improvement in the quality of life. I’m proud to have renovated the entire commune in a single term of office. I’d like to pay tribute to the work of GROUPE RAGNI: a committed local partner, embodying real industrial know-how, with whom we have taken up a great challenge together. It’s a wonderful family story. Today, RAGNI is an industrial flagship. Public lighting is a major challenge, and RAGNI must be recognized for its expertise. It’s a partner that local authorities have every interest in surrounding themselves with.”
Bonifacio is now lighting up its future by combining innovation, sobriety and respect for its heritage. An example to follow.
Many thanks to Jean-Charles Orsucci, Mayor of Bonifacio, Christelle Longuet, Director General of Technical Services for the town, Pierre-Paul Cesari, Director General of Services for the Syndicat d’Énergie de la Corse-du-Sud, Régis Clouzet, Lighting Designer for the Lumière agency, and Pierre Bianconi, AVEC sales representative for Corsica, for their availability, commitment and invaluable testimonials, which enabled us to give an accurate behind-the-scenes account of this exemplary project. Our thanks also go to the design offices, local contractors, installers, technical staff and all the partners involved, whose collective efforts made this project a real success.
RAGNI receives AEO-F authorization diploma
Melyn Dreysse
On July 3, RAGNI, represented by Angélique Valenza, Export Logistics Coordinator, was proud to receive the diploma for obtaining AEO-F approvalapproval, granted to just 32 companies in the Alpes-Maritimes department and Monaco.
What is AEO-F approval?
This authorization enables any company established within the European Union (EU) and involved in international trade (SME or large company) to acquire a quality label for the customs and security-security processes it implements. Issued in France by French customs, the AEO authorization is recognized throughout the EU and in countries that have signed mutual recognition agreements. AEO authorizations are granted on the basis of the criteria set out in articles 39. a), b), c), d) and e) of the Union Customs Code (UCC).
A relationship of trust is established with customs, which becomes the company’s partner. Trade is facilitated with countries that have signed international agreements recognizing the AEO’s reliable operator status. What’s more, holding an AEO authorization gives us a real competitive edge in our business relations.
Combined AEO authorization for “Customs simplifications + Safety and Security” (“AEO-F”)
Customs simplifications” and “Security and safety” authorizations can be held simultaneously. This is known as combined authorization (“AEO-F”). The company must meet all the criteria for these authorizations.
- the absence of serious or repeated breaches of customs and tax legislation, including the absence of serious criminal offences related to the applicant’s business activity;
- demonstration by the applicant that he exercises a high level of control over his operations and the movement of goods by means of a system for managing commercial records and, where applicable, transport documents, enabling the necessary customs controls to be carried out;
- financial solvency, which is considered proven when the applicant presents a satisfactory financial situation enabling him to meet his commitments, taking due account of the characteristics of the type of economic activity concerned;
- compliance with practical standards of competence or professional qualifications directly related to the activity carried out;
- the existence of appropriate safety and security standards, which are deemed to have been met when the applicant proves that it has taken appropriate measures to ensure the safety and security of the international supply chain, including physical integrity and access controls, logistical processes and the handling of specific types of goods, its personnel and its business partners.


What advantages are reserved for AEO-F:
- Modulation of physical and documentary inspection rates ;
- Priority treatment of shipments in the event of selection for customs inspection ;
- Waiver of financial guarantee ;
- Priority given to laboratory analyses when testing products subject to standards;
- Access on request to all CDU authorizations (Authorization to issue simplified declarations, Authorization as TIR authorized consignee, Authorization to constitute a global guarantee, Authorization to issue simplified declarations, Authorization as TIR authorized consignee, Authorization to constitute a global guarantee, etc.);
- Priority treatment and personalized support when granting customs clearance facilities;
- Prior notification of customs controls ;
- Reduced data requirements for summary declarations ;
- Facilities granted under the EU’s AEO mutual recognition agreements with China, the USA, Switzerland, Norway, Andorra, Japan, the UK and Moldova.
École de design de Nantes Atlantique X GROUPE RAGNI
Melyn Dreysse
How can we reconcile forward-looking design, stakeholder dialogue and raising awareness of the challenges of mindful lighting?
By calling on the experts at the École de Design de Nantes Atlantique! On June 17 and 18, a team of representatives from GROUPE RAGNI had the pleasure of taking part in a 2-day workshop with students from the City Design Lab and Studio France, directed by Anaïs Jacquard and Simon Lozac’h.
This collaboration is part of a week-long seminar for French and international students at this Nantes-based school, at the forefront of urban developments. More broadly, it is based on the establishment of a fruitful partnership between RAGNI, parent company of GROUPE RAGNI, and this leading school, a true pioneer in taking technological, societal and environmental contexts into account in urban design, making it a strategic training and co-creation tool at the service of a sustainable world.

The objectives of such a collaboration are numerous:
- Develop a critical, systemic approach to current issues and uses of public lighting, and draw up fictitious, tangible representations of them.
- Imagine innovative ways of planning and managing night-time activities, using immersive narratives to raise awareness among public and private players.
- Bringing together the GROUPE RAGNI ‘s core expertise in a new setting to encourage them to think outside the box.
The seminar enabled students to gain a concrete understanding of the issues facing our industry, and GROUPE RAGNI teams to discover new approaches to designing tomorrow’s offering.
A tomorrow where, more than ever, light reassures, connects, cares for and helps territories adapt to climate change.
We’ll be delighted to share with all our stakeholders the various forward-looking projects resulting from this collaboration, in order to meet the need to promote the virtues of mindful lighting in France and internationally.
Lighting to facilitate soft mobility
Melyn Dreysse
Footpath lighting project in Chaumes-en-Retz
A development to enhance
The commune of Chaumes-en-Retz (France), located on the main road between Pornic and Nantes, recently undertook a development project to improve the comfort and safety of users of its footpath. This route, essential for soft mobility, was suffering from a lack of use, notably due to a lack of visibility at night.
To solve this problem, the municipality called on the expertise of ECO-INNOV, specialists in sustainable LED lighting solutions.
A solar solution adapted to site constraints
One of the major difficulties of this project was the impossibility of running cables to supply traditional lighting. The chosen solution was a solar lighting system, using ECO-143 embbeded studs. “This hard-wearing, easy-to-install product only requires coring in the ground and the application of a special glue to ensure adhesion,” explains Sylvain Louërat, the electrician involved in the project.
As well as being energy self-sufficient, these devices are designed to blend harmoniously with their surroundings. The recessed studs emit an amber light, reducing the impact on local flora and fauna while minimizing glare on nearby roads.
Synchronized operation with street lighting
The lighting system is programmed to follow the public lighting timetable. In this way, the studs light up at dusk and go out at 10pm, before lighting up again at 6am, ensuring the safety of users without excessive energy consumption.
A project congratulated by users
This first phase of installation involved 53 solar studs over a distance of one kilometer. Feedback from pedestrians and cyclists has been very positive, convincing the municipality to extend the installation by a further 500 meters. “Users are delighted with this solution, which is both practical and aesthetically pleasing,” adds Sylvain Louërat.
With this initiative, Chaumes-en-Retz affirms its commitment to innovative, sustainable and environmentally-friendly lighting solutions.
Photo/video : © Stephane Lelasseux
Our warmest thanks to Louërat for taking the time for this interview and for sharing its expertise on this innovative beaconing project.
Montage Park - An urban oasis
Melyn Dreysse
Just a few miles away from San Diego, in Chula Vista, our LAMPION GLOW have been installed to light the brand-new “Montage Park”.
Described as an oasis within the community, this park is the sixth project to be completed with the aim of improving the well-being of residents.
We are very proud to have been involved in this beautiful project by Spurlock Landscape Architects, and we’d like to thank VCL for choosing our LAMPION GLOW.

Ivory Coast: GROUPE RAGNI travels to Abidjan with Christian Estrosi
Melyn Dreysse
During a visit to Abidjan by Christian Estrosi, President of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis and Mayor of the city of Nicethe GROUPE RAGNI visited the Ivory Coast as part of the city’s rich twinning with the Autonomous District of Abidjan, at the invitation of Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé and District Governor Ibrahim Bacongo Cissé. The GROUPE RAGNI was represented by Marcel Ragni, Honorary Chairman of the Group representing Côte d’Azur industry (UIMM 06)Jean-Christophe Ragni, Chairman of the Supervisory Board and Group Export Director, and Alexandre Gellé, Group Public and Institutional Affairs Director.
This was an opportunity for the Group to remind the highest authorities of the partnership approach that has been driving its development in the country for several years, and which will be embodied in 2022 by the creation of a subsidiary in Abidjan.
- A conviction: to build, hand in hand with the authorities, an integrated lighting system tailored to the country’s needs, we must first and foremost build long-term relationships based on trust, the transfer of skills and the sharing of know-how.

- Background: Today, the cost of public lighting to the government of Côte d’Ivoire is over 45 billion FCFA (68 million euros) a year. Of the 1.85 million light points across Ivory Coast, 91% use SHP technology, which is particularly energy-hungry. The energy-saving potential of simply switching to LEDs is therefore colossal.
- Estimate : For a retrofit of 55,000 connected light points, the Ivorian government can generate savings of up to 3.1 billion FCFA per year, or 4.8 million euros (without dimming system), with a return on investment of less than 4 years.
The Group is therefore ready to work with the authorities to build lasting partnerships for energy-efficient projects in the country, as it is already doing in Senegal and Benin.
GROUPE RAGNI changes presidency
Melyn Dreysse
“I’d like to thank you for the faith you’ve shown in me over the years. We can all be proud of how far we’ve come. Each and every one of you has made an enormous contribution to my life, both professionally and personally.”
After 53 years with the family business, including 20 years of leadership and dedicated service, Marcel RAGNI today announces his retirement as Chairman of GROUPE RAGNI. This decision marks the end of an emblematic era, but also the beginning of a promising new era for the French company.
By mutual agreement, Jean-Christophe RAGNI and Stéphane RAGNI decided to establish a horizontal governance structure with two bodies: the Management Board and the Supervisory Board.
As of today, Stéphane RAGNI is appointed Head of the Executive Board and Jean-Christophe RAGNI becomes Head of the Supervisory Board. Céline TOBELAIM, currently Group Chief Financial Officer, will take on the role of Managing Director, and Marcel RAGNI, although stepping down from his executive duties, will become Vice-President of the Supervisory Board.
We would like to thank Marcel RAGNI for his long-standing commitment to the company and its employees. We would also like to congratulate Stéphane RAGNI and Jean-Christophe RAGNI on their appointment at the head of GROUPE RAGNI’s Presidency, and Céline TOBELAIM on her appointment as Managing Director.

Grasse commune modernization project
Melyn Dreysse
The municipality of Grasselocated in the Alpes-Maritimes region, has undertaken a modernization project involving the replacement of 5671 light points over two years.
The desire to work with a French manufacturer located 30 kilometers from the city led to a fruitful collaboration with RAGNI. Following several lighting studies, the municipality became aware of the significant light pollution generated by the old installations:
” The municipal team wanted to initiate a new, even more virtuous dynamic in terms of energy transition and respect for the environment, by adopting a lighting development master plan (SDAL) setting out the main guidelines for urban lighting, ” explains Carine GIOVINAZZO, Engineer in the Energy and Ecological Transition department of the city of Grasse.
To preserve its living environment and exceptional biodiversity, the city aims to reduce its energy consumption by the end of the project in May 2025. To achieve this, the municipality wants to integrate LED technology into all its public lighting systems.
The luminaire DEIKO at the heart of the "perfume capital of the world
Thanks to its technical features, which are totally in line with the town’s DNA, the DEIKO functional luminaire’s ovoid shape has won it over, and it has been installed on many of Grasse’s roads.
Carine GIOVINAZZO adds: ” The DEIKO lantern consumes little energy and has a long service life (over 20 years). What’s more, the choice of warm white and amber LED color temperatures reduces our impact on biodiversity. We were also convinced by its high-performance asymmetrical road lighting, while ensuring compliance with regulations against light pollution. The fact that this model was designed to meet the environmental criteria of energy efficiency, recyclability and interoperability was also a plus.. “.
The choice of RAL is a nod to the town’s street furniture charter. This very natural “mars 2525 sanded” shade brings sophistication and modernity to the Grasse environment.
The municipality, in favor of night-time dimming and extinction for ecological and economic reasons
Since the curfew introduced during the health crisis in 2020, the municipality has initiated night-time extinction and dimming in various time bands, with the aim of reducing light levels during off-peak hours. This initiative, together with the switch to LEDs, has resulted in energy savings of 15%, i.e. 700,000 kWh/year (equivalent to 140 households), as well as financial savings of around €175,000/year.
” Today, the night-time switch-off zone has been extended thanks to factory-programmed drivers. 49% of the lighting stock has been programmed to dim between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., 3,088 light points (44% of the lighting stock) are switched off between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., and only 1% of the lighting stock is neither dimmed nor switched off: the city center. “says Carine GIOVINAZZO.
Residents’ opinions are divided:
” The municipality of Grasse regularly receives requests from residents expressing their wish to extend the scope of night-time extinction to more light points. On the other hand, some residents are in favor of restoring public lighting because of a feeling of insecurity, even though it has had no impact in terms of incivilities, according to a study carried out in conjunction with the Police Municipale and the Centre de Surveillance Urbain. »
Grasse rewarded for its commitment
The city is particularly proud to have been awarded the “Star City” label in 2021. This distinction echoes the “Réserve Internationale de Ciel Étoilé” (RICE) label awarded in December 2019 to the “Alpes Azur Mercantour” territory by theInternational Dark Sky Associationbased in the United States. Grasse actively supports this initiative.
And the integration of new technologies?
Projections showed that the gain in terms of energy savings and service rendered would be less than the investment. The municipality has invested heavily in this project, which remains an ecological priority, making it impossible to incorporate this solution into the budget. The town of Grasse has also opted for presence detection in some of its parks.
We would like to thank the Mayor for his testimony, as well as Carine GIOVINAZZO, Engineer in the City of Grasse’s Energy and Ecological Transition Department, for responding to this interview. Many thanks also to Virginie AMEINGUAL of the AUSE agency, who made this project possible.
Watch Mayor Jérôme VIAUD’s testimonial on video:
Amber, a nuanced assessment
Melyn Dreysse
In a world where preserving our environment is more crucial than ever, the impact of artificial light on flora and fauna is a major concern.
Numerous studies, including those cited in our reference table, show that a significant proportion of this nuisance comes from wavelengths below 500 nm. Therefore, it is not a question of simply recommending an “Amber” color temperature of 1700K, but rather of limiting (or even eliminating) these wavelengths identified as harmful.
The innovative solution from GROUPE RAGNI
GROUPE RAGNI has carefully studied this data to develop an innovative solution.
This system is based on advanced know-how in several areas:

– Lighting recipe
Rather than opting for a simple 1700K amber LED, we have developed a technology that drastically reduces wavelengths below 500 nm (from 10% to 0.1%). This solution guarantees consistent luminous efficacy (>100 lm/W) and a satisfactory color rendering index (CRI > 50).
– Photometry
We’ve created a portfolio of optics to light up only the useful area of your projects, while complying with the 2018 light nuisance decree (ULR and CIE Flux Code). This innovation minimizes environmental impact while offering optimum lighting performance.

– Intelligence
Our solutions also incorporate smart technologieslocal or remote, enabling lighting levels to be adapted to usage and schedules. This system can, for example, adjust photometry or light recipe in real time.
Towards mindful lighting
Our innovative new technology needs to be complemented by a well-thought-out lighting approach for each project. To achieve this, it is essential to:
- Carry out a quality lighting study to determine the best photometry and light only the useful area.
- Analyze the project’s specific lighting requirements.
Find out more
Find out more about our technology and the solutions of the RAGNI GROUPcontact us : info@groupe-ragni.com
Together, let’s adopt lighting practices that respect our environment while meeting your needs efficiently.