Phare de Gatteville, also known as the Gatteville Lighthouse or Pointe de Barfleur Light, is a historic and beautiful lighthouse located at the tip of Barfleur in Normandy. It is the third tallest “traditional lighthouse” in the globe and the second tallest lighthouse in France and is still in use to this day. Fascinating, steeped in history and rather unique, it is a must-see if you have found a vacation rental in Normandy.
This area, on the coast of the English Channel, was once a deadly patch of sea where shipwrecks were common. In order to fight this, a lighthouse was built in 1774 and measured in 82 feet in height. Then, in the 19th century, a taller lighthouse was constructed next to the first one as the original was not structurally sound enough to be enlarged and made taller. The lantern of the first lighthouse was removed and it was transformed into a semaphore tower and still stands today.
The new lighthouse, the Phare de Gatteville, was completed in 1835 and is a staggering 247 feet tall, far taller than the first structure. It also remains in use and continues to guide ships safely along the French coastline. In addition, it has become a popular tourist spot as it boasts stunning views over the Channel and is a wonderful place to catch the sunrise or sunset. In 1997, it was officially opened to the public as a lighthouse museum and houses a quaint collection of drawings, photos, and objects that tell its history.
A further, charming oddity is that the building was designed to have as many steps as days of the year, as many windows as weeks, and as many levels as months.
Pretty, fascinating and boasting some extraordinary views, if you are exploring the coast of Normandy, this is one of the places to make sure to visit!
The new lighthouse, the Phare de Gatteville, was completed in 1835 and is a staggering 247 feet tall, far taller than the first structure. It also remains in use and continues to guide ships safely along the French coastline. In addition, it has become a popular tourist spot as it boasts stunning views over the Channel and is a wonderful place to catch the sunrise or sunset. In 1997, it was officially opened to the public as a lighthouse museum and houses a quaint collection of drawings, photos, and objects that tell its history.
A further, charming oddity is that the building was designed to have as many steps as days of the year, as many windows as weeks, and as many levels as months.
Pretty, fascinating and boasting some extraordinary views, if you are exploring the coast of Normandy, this is one of the places to make sure to visit!
