DISCOVER THE HISTORY OF AN EMBLEMATIC MUMMY OF THE ARCACHON BASIN

“CAP FERRET LIGHTHOUSE

(website photo:https://phareducapferret.com/)

Construction of the Cap Ferret lighthouse began in 1835, and was completed 5 years later in 1840. It was commissioned in 1855. It was one of 43 first-rate lighthouses on the French coast at the time, with a range of 18 to 27 nautical miles.

(Photo de “TVcapferret.com”)

The lighthouse was positioned to signal the passes and the entrance to the Bay of Arcachon. It was placed 2.5km from the extreme tip to prevent erosion. It had a single white light and was powered by petroleum vapor.

In 1904, its color changed from white to red. The lighthouse was electrified in 1929 with the arrival of a generator and a new Fresnel lens.

(photo du site CIRKWI.com)

In 1943, a blockhouse was built by the Organisation Todt right next to the Cap Ferret lighthouse. It was designed to house 19 men and equipment. The blockhouse was painted in trompe l’oeil and camouflaged. It was vacated by the Germans on August 20, 1944, when they destroyed the lighthouse.

(Photo du Sudouest)

And when they left the city, they took its original optical system with them. It was rebuilt and reactivated a few years later, in 1949. The optics were recovered by French railwaymen after the war. This was then reinstalled on the current lighthouse.

The lighthouse’s last keepers left in 1995, following its automation.

Today, the Cap-Ferret lighthouse has become an architectural monument, attracting more than 110,000 visitors every year for its panorama of land and water over 57 meters above sea level.

It was listed as a historic monument in 2009.

(photo : https://www.immo-capferret.com/blog/)

Its imposing architecture makes it a true emblem of the Bay of Arcachon‘s maritime identity. ⛵

The Cap Ferret lighthouse was much sought-after at the time. After the Dune du Pyla, it is the second most important monument on the Bay of Arcachon. That’s why it’s regularly maintained.

 

(Photo from “phareducapferret.com” website)

 

Description and equipment:

Height: 52 m

Focal height: 53 m or 46 m

Elevation: 62 m

Steps: 258

Lantern : 1,000 W halogen lamp

Optics: 4 ¼-panel rotating lens / 70 cm focal length

Range: 22.5 miles (41.7 km)

Lights: Red flashing light, 5 s

The lighthouse is currently open to visitors all year round, as is the Blockhaus. We advise you to take courage, because after the effort of having climbed 258 steps, you’ll have the comfort of this magnificent panoramic view over the Bay of Arcachon and its Dune du Pyla.

(Photo by “lebonguide.com”)

On the first floor of the lighthouse, you’ll find a Horizon Voyageur exhibition with 6 interactive rooms presenting the evolution of the lighthouse and everything that surrounds it.

(Photo: Gironde tourisme)

Finally, you’ll be able to take some souvenirs home with you, as you’ll inevitably pass by the Lighthouse boutique.

(Photo: Gironde tourisme)

 

Practical information:(https://phareducapferret.com/)

Opening hours

Visits end 30 minutes before the site closes, so don’t forget!

Opening times are subject to change depending on weather conditions. Please contact us if in doubt!

High season: July – August: Daily, 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Mid-season: April – May – June – September: Daily from 10am to 12:30pm and from 2pm to 6:30pm

Off Season: October to March, Wednesday to Sunday, 2 to 5 p.m.

Annual closure from November 06, 2023 to December 20, 2023 inclusive

The Lighthouse is closed on December 25 and January 1

Rates :

The summit is only accessible via a 258-step staircase. It is limited to 19 people (building evacuation standard).

Adults: €7 (*Over 13s)

Children: €4 (*From 4 to 12 years old included)

Groups on request

Vacation vouchers are not accepted – Pets are not allowed – Conditions for groups of 20 people or more