Lighthouses of France: Basse-Normandie (Western Normandy)

Département de la Manche Lighthouses

Granville Area Lighthouses

* Mont Saint-Michel (2) (Tour Gabriel) 1881 (station established 1870). Inactive since 1904. Approx. 8 m (26 ft) round cylindrical stone tower with a conical roof, known as the Tour Gabriel (Gabriel Tower). A closeup photo of the tower is available, and Google has a satellite view. Mont Saint-Michel is a famous and historic fortified abbey on an island in the southeastern corner of the Baie du Mont Saint-Michel at the base of the Cotentin peninsula. The Tour Gabriel is located at the base of the mount, on the west side of the island. The abbey is surrounded by a large area that is covered with water at high tide but dry at low tide. The light was displayed "from 2 hours before to 1-1/2 hour after high water," according to an 1895 light list. During this brief interval it was possible for small boats to approach the abbey. The light was discontinued when it was observed that no boats were making use of this service. Located at the abbey, about 5 km (3 mi) north of Beauvoir. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-760. * Îles Chausey 1847 (rebuilt and reactivated 1950). Active; focal plane 39 m (128 ft); white flash every 5 s. 19 m (62 ft) square cylindrical stone tower with lantern and gallery, rising from a 2-story stone keeper's house. Herve de Costarmor has a photo, Wikimedia has photos, a distant view is available, Trabas has a distant view by Kees Aalbersberg, and Huelse has a historic postcard view, but Google's fuzzy satellite view doesn't show the lighthouse. The Îles Chausey are a small group of islands in the middle of the entrance to the Baie du Mont St.-Michel, about 20 km (13 mi) west of Granville and a similar distance north of Cancale Port-Mer. The lighthouse was heavily damaged during World War II and needed extensive reconstruction following the war. The light is automated but is staffed as a control center for navigation in the bay. Located at the highest point of Grand Île Chausey, which is accessible by ferry from St.-Malo or Granville. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-005; Admiralty A1654; NGA 8020. * Granville (Pointe du Roc, Cap Lihou) 1827. Active; focal plane 49 m (161 ft); four white flashes every 15 s. 16 m (52 ft) round stone block tower with lantern and gallery. Tower unpainted, lantern and gallery painted red; the name Granville is painted on the side of the tower in white. 2-story stone keeper's house. Dennis and Aimee Jonez's photo is at right, Trabas has a closeup by Arno Siering, Marinas.com has aerial photos, and Google has a satellite view. This lighthouse, painted with camouflage patterns, survived World War II without damage. Located atop a rocky promontory called the Roc du Granville, marking the entrance to Granville harbor. Site open, tower closed; there's also a good view from ferries arriving from Jersey. ARLHS FRA-126; Admiralty A1660; NGA 8036.

Phare de Granville, July 2006 Flickr Creative Commons photo by Dennis and Aimee Jonez

Le Ronquet

Date unknown. Active; focal plane 11 m (36 ft); two flashes every 6 s, white or red depending on direction. 11 m (36 ft) round stone beacon, painted black with a red horizontal band. Trabas has a distant view, and Jenšíková also has a distant view. Located on a reef about 4 km (2.5 mi) west of Pointe d'Agon. Accessible only by boat. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-823; Admiralty A1649; NGA 8054.

* Regnéville-sur-Mer

Date unknown. Active; focal plane 12 m (39 ft); white or red light, depending on direction, occulting twice every 6 s. The light is mounted on a chimney at one end of a 1-story stone building, perhaps the port captain's office. Trabas has a closeup photo, Jenšíková has a good photo, and Google has a satellite view. Located on the Rue du Port in Regnéville-sur-Mer. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-852; Admiralty A1651; NGA 8060.

* Pointe d'Agon (Regnéville) 1856 (heightened in late 1940s). Active; focal plane 12 m (39 ft); white light occulting twice every 6 s; red light is shown over a sector to the west to warn ships away from the rocks off the point. 12 m (40 ft) square cylindrical stone tower with lantern and gallery attached to the rear of a 1-story stone keeper's house. Rémi Vincent's photo is at right, Trabas has a closeup photo, Guyomard and Carceller have a photo by Yves Bossuroy, Wikimedia has a photo and a second photo, Huelse has a historic photo, and Google has a satellite view. This light marks the north side of the entrance to the harbor of Regnéville.The lighthouse was badly damaged during World War II; when it was repaired after the war the tower was raised in height from the original 7 m (23 ft). Located at the end of a long point of land about 7 km (4 mi) south of Agon. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-166; Admiralty A1650; NGA 8056. Le Sénéquet 1861. Active; focal plane 18 m (59 ft); three white flashes every 12 s; red flashes are shown over a sector to the west to warn ships away from the rock. 18 m (59 ft) round stone tower with gallery. The upper 2/3 of the tower is painted white; the lower portion is unpainted very dark stone. The original lantern was destroyed or removed during World War II (sources differ on this); it was replaced after the war but removed in 1981. The light is now shown from a short mast atop the tower. Trabas has a photo, the Département has a small photo, Jenšíková has a distant view, and another photo is available (1/4 the way down the page). Huelse has a postcard view showing the tower's original appearance. The lantern and optical equipment were removed after being heavily damaged during World War II. Located on a rock about 5 km (3 mi) west of Gouville-sur-Mer. Accessible only by boat. Site and tower closed. ARLHS FRA-035; Admiralty A1648; NGA 8064.

Phare d'Agon, Regnéville, Christmas Day 2009 Flickr Creative Commons photo by Rémi Vincent

West Coast Cotentin Peninsula Lighthouses

* Portbail Feu Postérieur (Église de Notre-Dame)

Date unknown. Active; focal plane 20 m (66 ft); white light, 3 s on, 1 s off. Light mounted in the stone tower of the Église de Notre-Dame, a Norman church whose foundations were laid in 1026, although most of the building dates from the 12th and 13th centuries. Trabas has a closeup photo showing the light, Phillippe Boîte has posted an excellent photo of the church, Jenšíková has a photo with a closeup of the lens, and Google has a satellite view. The light is displayed through a tiny rectangular window near the top of the tower. At one time the tower was painted white as a daymark, as seen in the postcard posted by Huelse. No longer a church, the building is now used as the town meeting hall. The front light is on a small skeletal tower. Located on the waterfront in Portbail, about 10 km (6 mi) southeast of Barneville-Carteret. Site open, church open, tower status unknown. ARLHS FRA-763; Admiralty A1644.1; NGA 8072

* Carteret (Cap de Carteret)

1830 (rebuilt in late 1940s). Active; focal plane 81 m (266 ft); three white flashes, in a 2+1 pattern, every 15 s. 18 m (59 ft) square cylindrical stone tower with lantern and gallery, rising from the front of a 1-story stone keeper's house. Tower is unpainted; lantern and gallery rail painted dark green. 2nd order Fresnel lens in use. Phil Beard's photo is at the top of this page, Trabas has a closeup photo, Simon Lexton has a photo, Jenšíková has a photo, Wikimedia has a photo also showing the nearby signal station, Huelse has a historic postcard view, Marinas.com has aerial photos, and Google has a good satellite view. This historic lighthouse faces the British island of Jersey across a strait about 20 km (13 mi) wide. In 1870 the keeper's house was enlarged by constructing 1-story wings on both sides. German troops trapped in the Cotentin after D-Day largely destroyed the lighthouse, but it was rebuilt after the war using the original plans. The light was automated in 1976, but the building has remained in service as a regional control center for ship traffic and aids to navigation along the west side of the peninsula. Located on the cape, at the end of the Route du Sémaphore, about 2 km (1.2 mi) west of Carteret. There's also a good view from ferries between Carteret and the Channel Islands. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-084; Admiralty A1638; NGA 8080.

* Diélette (Digue Ouest, feu antérieur) (4) 1897 (station established 1858). Active; focal plane 12 m (39 ft); white, red, or green light depending on direction, 2 s on, 2 s off; for harbor entrance, there is also a green light flashing once every 4 s at a focal plane of 6 m (20 ft). 9 m (30 ft) round cylindrical masonry tower with lantern and gallery, painted white; lantern and gallery painted green. Trabas has a good photo, Gérard Poirier has posted a nice photo showing winter waves sweeping around the lighthouse, Jenšíková's photo is at right, a 2007 photo (taken from a kite) is available, Huelse has a lovely postcard view, and Google has a satellite view. The lighthouse was the front light of a range until sometime in the late 1990s. The original light was replaced by cast iron towers in 1876 and again in 1896; a storm swept the latter light away after only four months of service. Located at the end of breakwater pier at Diélette on the west side of the Cotentin peninsula. Accessible by walking the breakwater; there is also a good view from ferries between Diélette and Guernsey. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-261; Admiralty A1632; NGA 8092. * Diélette Feu Postérieur (2) 1876 (station established 1858). Inactive since the late 1990s. 1-1/2 story keeper's house; the light was displayed through a window of the upper story. Jenšíková has a photo (halfway down the page), and Google has a satellite view. Located on the slope of the hill behind the harbor, 466 m (1530 ft) from the front light. Site probably open. Owner: unknown. ARLHS FRA-820; ex-Admiralty A1632.1.

Diélette Feu Antérieur, Diélette, July 2010 photo copyright Anna Jenšíková; used by permission

Cap de la Hague Lighthouses

Cap de la Hague (Goury) 1837 (Morice de la Rue). Active; focal plane 48 m (157 ft); white flash every 5 s. 51 m (167 ft) round granite tower with lantern and gallery, mounted on a 1-story cylindrical granite base. Fog horn (blast every 30 s). Tower unpainted, lantern dome painted white. Larry Myhre's photo is at right, Trabas has a photo, Stéphane Dauguet has a nice 2007 photo, Phareland has many photos, Huelse has a historic postcard view, and Google has a satellite view. The Cap de la Hague is the northwestern tip of the Cotentin peninsula, making this light a crucial point of reference for ships sailing eastward. The lighthouse also guards the Alderney Race (Raz Blanchard), the 16 km (10 mi) wide channel between Cap de la Hague and Alderney, the northeasternmost of Britain's Channel Islands. The Race has some of the fastest and most dangerous tidal currents in the world. The lighthouse took three years to build. Fortunately, it escaped major damage during World War II, and it was staffed until 1990. Located on a small waveswept island, Gros-du-Raz, about 800 m (1/2 mi) west of the cape. Accessible only by boat in dangerous seas, but there is a good view from the beach at the end of the road about 1.6 km (1 mi) west of Auderville. Site and tower closed. ARLHS FRA-031; Admiralty A1512; NGA 8304. La Plate Date unknown (1950s or 1960s). Active; focal plane 11 m (36 ft); three flashes, in a 2+1 pattern, every 10 s; white flashes are shown to the south and red flashes to the north. 10 m (33 ft) octagonal cylindrical tower. No lantern; the light is shown from a short mast atop the tower. A watch room inside the top of the tower is accessed by an outside ladder. The tower is painted with a black horizontal band at the top and a yellow band below the black; the lower half of the tower is unpainted. Trabas has a thumbnail photo, Jenšíková has a view from shore, and Google has a satellite view. Note: there is another, better-known Feu de la Plate off the Pointe du Raz, Bretagne. Located atop a waveswept rock 3 km (1.8 mi) northeast of the Cap de la Hague lighthouse. Accessible only by boat. Site and tower closed. ARLHS FRA-787; Admiralty A1514; NGA 8312. Cherbourg Lighthouses Fort de l'Ouest 1840. Active; focal plane 19 m (62 ft); three flashes every 15 s, white or red depending on direction. 9 m (30 ft) round granite tower with lantern and gallery. Tower painted white; lantern painted red. Fresnel lens in use. Jenšíková has a photo, Trabas has a good photo, French Wikipedia has an article with a photo, Steven Van Valen has a 2011 photo, Huelse has a historic postcard view, and Google has a satellite view. The lighthouse stands atop a nineteenth century circular stone fort built offshore. Located about 2.5 km (1.5 mi) northwest of the Cherbourg waterfront, at the western end of the Digue Centrale, a detached breakwater. Accessible only by boat, but there should be good views from ferries linking Cherbourg to Portsmouth, England, and Rosslare, Ireland. Site and tower closed. ARLHS FRA-046; Admiralty A1480; NGA 8332.

Phare de la Hague, Auderville, May 2009 Flickr Creative Commons photo by Larry Myhre

* Gare Maritime (Fort du Homet feu postérieur) (2?)

Date unknown. Active; focal plane 35 m (115 ft); quick-flashing white light, visible only on the range line. 35 m (115 ft) sqaure pyramidal skeletal tower atop a square cylindrical stone tower, one of the four towers of Cherbourg's historic Gare Maritime, where transatlantic and trans-Channel passengers transferred between ships and trains. The building is now occupied by the Cité de la Mer, an oceanographic institute and museum. Trabas has a photo, and Google has a satellite view. The front light is mounted on a stone wall at the Fort du Hamet. Site open, tower closed. Admiralty A1484.1; NGA 8328.

[Fort Central (2)]

1952 (station established 1839). Active; focal plane 5 m (17 ft); six very quick white flashes followed by one long white flash every 10 s. 3 m (10 ft) post, upper half painted yellow and lower half black. The original light here was in a 16.5 m (54 ft) round stone tower with lantern and gallery. This lighthouse was deactivated in 1895; it is not known when it was destroyed. Trabas has a photo of the light, there's a good view of the ruined fort, and Google has a satellite view of the fort. Located in front of a nineteenth century fort in the central section of the detached Digue Centrale. Accessible only by boat. Site and tower closed. ARLHS FRA-753; Admiralty A1478; NGA 8336.

Fort de l'Est

1910. Active; focal plane 19 m (62 ft); green light, 2 s on, 2 s off. 9 m (30 ft) round cylindrical tank with the light mounted at the top, all standing on the masonry ruins of the fort. Trabas has a photo, and Google has a satellite view of the ruins. Located at the eastern end of the detached Digue Centrale. Accessible only by boat. Site and tower closed. ARLHS FRA-240; Admiralty A1476; NGA 8340.

* Le Becquet Feu Antérieur

Date unknown. Active; focal plane 8 m (26 ft); white light, occulting three times, in a 2+1 pattern, every 12 s, intensified on the range line and synchronized with the rear light. 6 m (20 ft) octagonal cylindrical concrete tower with gallery, attached to 1-story concrete equipment room. Trabas has a closeup photo, Jenšíková has a photo, Gilles Diguet has a photo of both lighthouses, and Google has a satellite view. Located on the waterfront in Le Becquet, about 5 km (3 mi) east of the Cherbourg waterfront. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-191; Admiralty A1466; NGA 8404.

* Le Becquet Feu Postérieur

Date unknown. Active; focal plane 12 m (39 ft); red light, occulting three times, in a 2+1 pattern, every 12 s, intensified on the range line and synchronized with the front light. 10 m (33 ft) octagonal cylindrical concrete tower with gallery, attached to 1-story concrete equipment room. Trabas has a photo, Jenšíková has a photo, Gilles Diguet has a photo of both lighthouses, and Google has a satellite view. Located on the waterfront in Le Becquet, about 5 km (3 mi) east of the Cherbourg waterfront. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-192; Admiralty A1466.1; NGA 8408.

Barfleur Lighthouses

* Cap Lévi (Cap Levy) (2) 1948 (station established 1858). Active; focal plane 38 m (118 ft); red flash every 5 s. 27 m (89 ft) 4-sided granite block tower with lantern and gallery, the sides being incurved (concave). Tower unpainted, lantern painted white. A photo is at the top of this page, Trabas has an excellent closeup by Arno Siering, a good 2008 photo is available, Phareland has many photos, Marinas.com has fine aerial photos, and Google has a good satellite view. Huelse has a historic postcard view of the original lighthouse, a square granite tower that was destroyed during the fighting for Cherbourg shortly after D-Day. The unusual design of the new lighthouse is by the architects Levavasseur et Chauliat. Located on a headland jutting into the Manche about 20 km (13 mi) northeast of Cherbourg and 2.5 km (1.5 mi) northwest of the village of Fermanville. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-080; Admiralty A1462; NGA 8416. * Pointe de Barfleur (Gatteville) (1) 1780. Inactive since 1835. 25 m (82 ft) round granite tower rising from the center of 1-story keeper's house; lantern removed. Mickael Duval's photo is at right, and Huelse has a historic postcard view. The Pointe de Barfleur is the northeastern tip of the Cotentin peninsula. The peninsula projects far out into the Manche (English Channel), so this cape is an infamous hazard to navigation for ships westbound for the Atlantic. King Louis XV ordered the construction of this lighthouse shortly before his death in 1774. Today it is dwarfed by the great tower of 1835 built just behind it. ARLHS FRA-299. ***** Gatteville (Pointe de Barfleur) (2) 1835 (station established 1780). Active; focal plane 72 m (236 ft); two white flashes, separated by the 2.4 s, every 10 s. 75 m (247 ft) round granite tower with lantern and gallery, attached to a 2-story keeper's complex which forms a U-shape around the base of the tower. Lighthouse is unpainted brownish-gray stone; lantern painted black. Mickael Duval's photo is at right, Trabas has a great photo by Arno Siering, Phareland has many photos, Marinas.com has aerial photos, and Google has a satellite view. This is certainly one of the best-known French lighthouses, and indeed one of the world's great lights. It is the third tallest stone lighthouse in the world (after the 82.5 m Île Vierge lighthouse and the 77 m Lanterna di Genova). The lighthouse was called the Phare de Barfleur until 1891, when the name was changed to Phare de Gatteville. In 1944 it was liberated without major damage and quickly returned to operation, one of the first lighthouses of Western Europe to be relit. Automated in 1984, it remained open to the public until 1996, when it was closed for renovation. It reopened on 5 July 1997 as a lighthouse museum. Over 35,000 visitors per year climb the 365 steps to the gallery. Located 2 km (1.2 mi) north of Barfleur, close to the village of Gatteville-le-Phare. Site open, tower and museum open daily February 1 through mid November and also over the Christmas holidays. Site manager: Le Phare de Gatteville. ARLHS FRA-300; Admiralty A1454; NGA 8428.

Phare de Gatteville, Gatteville-le-Phare, July 2006 Flickr Creative Commons photo by Mickael Duval

* Barfleur Jetée de l'Est

Date unknown. Active; focal plane 5 m (17 ft); red light, 3 s on, 1 s off. 4 m (13 ft) octagonal masonry equipment room; the light is displayed from a short post at the peak of the pyramidal roof. Lighthouse painted white, roof and post red. Trabas has a photo, Bernard Leterrier has a sunset view, another view is available, and Google has a satellite view. Located at the end of the east jetty, the main breakwater of Barfleur, a traditional fishing port at the northeastern corner of the Cotentin peninsula. Accessible by walking the pier. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-690; Admiralty A1448; NGA 8440.

* Barfleur Antérieur (2) 1844 (station established 1832). Active; focal plane 7 m (23 ft); white light, occulting three times every 12 s, synchronized with the rear light. 7 m (23 ft) square cylindrical stone tower with lantern and gallery. Entire lighthouse painted white. Trabas has a good photo, a 2009 photo is available, Jenšíková has a photo, Huelse has a historic postcard view, and Google has a satellite view. Located on the south side of the harbor in Barfleur. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-545; Admiralty A1444; NGA 8432. * Barfleur Postérieur (2) 1844 (station established 1832). Active; focal plane 13 m (43 ft); white light, occulting three times every 12 s, synchronized with the front light. 13 m (43 ft) square cylindrical stone tower with lantern and gallery, attached to the rear of a 2-story stone keeper's house. Front face of house and tower painted white; lantern and gallery painted dark green. Trabas has a closeup, Jenšíková has a photo, Huelse has a historic postcard view, and Google has a satellite view. Located on the Rue Pierre Salley at the extreme south end of Barfleur harbor. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-815; Admiralty A1444.1; NGA 8436. East Coast Cotentin Peninsula Lighthouses * Pointe de Saire (Réville) 1836. Active; focal plane 11 m (36 ft); white light, occulting three times, in a 2+1 pattern, every 10 s. 10 m (33 ft) square cylindrical stone tower with lantern and gallery, rising from the center of a 1-story stone keeper's house. House unpainted, tower painted white, lantern and gallery green. A photo is at right, Trabas has a good photo, J.-P. Groult also has a fine photo, and Google has a satellite view. The house appears to be a private residence. Located on the Pointe de Saire about 3 km (2 mi) east southeast of Réville. Site and tower closed, but the light can be seen from outside the stone wall surrounding the station. ARLHS FRA-761; Admiralty A1442; NGA 8448.

Phare de la Pointe de Saire, Réville, June 2007 Wikimedia public domain photo by Rundvald

* St.-Vaast-la-Hougue (2) 1865 (station established 1850). Active; focal plane 12 m (39 ft); white, red, or green light, depending on direction, occulting twice every 6 s. 11 m (36 ft) octagonal cylindrical cast iron tower with lantern and gallery. Fog siren (one long and one short blast every 30 s). Tower painted white, lantern and gallery red. Benh Lieu Song's photo is at right, Guyomard and Carceller have good photos, Trabas has a photo, Huelse has a historic postcard view, and Google has a satellite view. This is one of many cast iron tourelles prefabricated by the firm of Sautter et Lemonnier. Apparently this is the oldest survivor of its class, since the first one built, for Calais Jetée de l'Est, was swept away by a storm. Located on the end of the jetty of the new harbor of St.-Vaast-la-Hougue, on the east side of town facing l'Île de Tatihou. Accessible by walking the jetty. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-151; Admiralty A1434; NGA 8460. Morsalines (La Hougue Feu Postérieur) (4) 1955 (station established 1836). Active; focal plane 90 m (295 ft); white, red, or green light, depending on direction, occulting four times every 12 s. 13 m (43 ft) octagonal concrete tower with an off-center lantern and gallery. Tower painted white, lantern dark green. Trabas has a photo, Guyomard and Carceller have additional photos, Jenšíková has a distant view, and Google has a satellite view. This range guides ships entering the protected old harbor of St.-Vaast-la-Hougue, on the east side of the Cotentin peninsula.The front light is on a square post at the shore, 3.3 km (2 mi) to the east. The original lighthouse was replaced by an 18 m (58 ft) tower in 1938; that lighthouse was destroyed in the fighting shortly after D-Day. A temporary light served until the present tower was built. This light appears to be adjacent to a private residence. Located atop a high hill south of Morsalines. Site and tower closed. ARLHS FRA-365; Admiralty A1428.1; NGA 8468.

Feu de St.-Vaast-la-Hougue, May 2009 Wikimedia Creative Commons photo by Benh Lieu Song

Îles Saint-Marcouf (Île du Large) (2)

1948 (station established 1840). Active; focal plane 18 m (59 ft); three very quick white flashes every 5 s. Approx. 7 m (23 ft) square cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery mounted atop a circular stone fort. Tower is unpainted, lantern painted dark green. No closeup photo available, but there's a good view from the sea, and Trabas also has a distant view. Google's distant satellite view does not reveal the light. Huelse has the same historic postcard view as Fichou. The Îles St.-Marcouf are two small islands in the Baie de la Seine about 10 km (6 mi) off Ravenoville Plage. The larger island (Île du Large) is almost completely covered by a historic fort; an aerial photo is available. On D-Day, U.S. forces landed on the island unopposed before dawn; they were actually the first Alled troops to step on French soil. They found the island heavily mined and the 1840 lighthouse had been destroyed. Accessible only by boat. Site and tower closed. ARLHS FRA-055; Admiralty A1424; NGA 8472.

* [Carentan Feu Antérieur (1)]

1868. The original range lights were mounted on wood skeletal towers; the modern lights are on steel posts. The original 1-story keeper's house still stands next to the front range light. Trabas has a photo, and Jenšíková has a good photo. Located at the foot of the pier at Brévands, in the extreme southwest corner of the Baie de la Seine. Site and tower closed. ARLHS FRA-692; Admiralty A1418; NGA 8476.

Département du Calvados Lighthouses

Bayeux Area Lighthouses

* Grandcamp-Maisy Jetée Est (1) 1925. Originally an 8 m (26 ft) round cast iron tower, the lighthouse was largely destroyed during the D-Day fighting. A 3 m (10 ft) stump of the tower can still be seen on the jetty, as seen in an aerial photo. The modern light (focal plane 9 m (30 ft); red light, occulting twice every 6 s) is shown from a steel post midway on the jetty. Accessible by walking the east jetty at Grandcamp-Maisy. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-678; Admiralty A1408; NGA 8504. * [Port-en-Bessin Antérieur (2)] 1905 (station established 1856). Active; focal plane 25 m (82 ft); white light, occulting three times every 12 s, synchronized with the rear light. 8 m (26 ft) post light. A 1-story round fog signal building, standing beside the light, is topped by a siren on a short mast. The siren sounds continuously while rotating through 180°. Jenšíková has a good photo, Trabas has a photo, Guyomard and Carceller have a photo (bottom of the page), and Google has a satellite view. The Port-en-Bessin lighthouses were in the gap between the U.S. and British beaches on D-Day, which helped them escape destruction. Located atop a bluff overlooking the harbor entrance, about 10 km (6 mi) northwest of Bayeux. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-605; Admiralty A1400; NGA 8516. * Port-en-Bessin Postérieur (2) 1854. Active; focal plane 42 m (138 ft); white light, occulting three times every 12 s, synchronized with the front light. 12 m (40 ft) stone keeper's house. The lantern is in the center of the end of the house facing the sea; that end is covered with concrete, painted white. There is a statue of the Virgin at the peak of the house, above the lantern. Trabas has a photo by Thomas Philipp, Guyomard and Carceller have a photo, Werning has a view from the side of the building, Jenšíková has photos (second lighthouse on the page), Huelse has a historic postcard view (showing the house without the statue), and the building is centered in a Google satellite view. Located on the Rue du Phare overlooking the harbor entrance at Port-en-Bessin, about 10 km (6 mi) northwest of Bayeux. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-406; Admiralty A1400.1; NGA 8520. * Ver-sur-Mer (Pointe de Ver, Juno Beach) (3) 1908 (station established 1808). Active; focal plane 42 m (138 ft); three white flashes, separated by 2.8 s, every 15 s. 16 m (53 ft) square cylindrical masonry tower with lantern and gallery, rising from 1-story keeper's house complex. Lighthouse painted white; lantern dome is unpainted gray metal. Werning has a good photo, Trabas has a closeup by Arno Siering, another photo is available, Huelse has a historic postcard view, and Google has a satellite view. This lighthouse stood on the heights above Juno Beach during the initial D-Day assault by British forces. Though Canadian troops captured the lighthouse quickly, it was heavily damaged in the fighting and had to be restored after the end of the war. Located on the Rue du Pavillon just off the Avenue du 6 Juin in Ver-sur-Mer, about 20 km (13 mi) northwest of Caen. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-532; Admiralty A1396; NGA 8532.

Phare de Ver-sur-Mer, May 2009 Flickr Creative Commons photo by Larry Myhre

Caen Area Lighthouses

*** Ouistreham 1905. Active; focal plane 37 m (121 ft); white or red light, depending on direction, 3 s on, 1 s off. 38 m (125 ft) round granite tower with lantern and gallery. The lantern, gallery, and watch room are painted red and the rest of the tower white, except the 1-story base is unpainted gray stone. 2-story stone keeper's house. A photo is at right, Werning has a fine photo, Trabas has Arno Siering's photo, Nel de Jong Vlaardingen has another good photo, Phareland has numerous photos, Huelse has a historic postcard view, Marinas.com has aerial photos, and Google has a fine satellite view. This lighthouse stood at the eastern end of the beaches invaded by Allied troops on D-Day, 6 June 1944. Captured by British forces in the initial assault, it escaped destruction by the Germans. The 100th anniversary of the lighthouse was celebrated in June 2005. The lighthouse stands beside the lock at the entrance to the Canal de Caen à la Mer, which allows vessels to reach the city of Caen, 14 km (9 mi) to the south. Note: Ouistreham is pronounced "Weesstrum." Located on the Quai Georges Thierry in Ouistreham, at the mouth of the Orne River. Site open, tower open but we have no information on the schedule. ARLHS FRA-377; Admiralty A1377; NGA 8552. * Ouistreham Feu Postérieur (2) 1845 (station established 1828). Inactive since 1888. 23 m (75 ft) square Norman Gothic stone tower of the Église de Saint-Samson. A photo is available. The light was replaced by the Feu des Écluses, a lighthouse that was demolished after the range was deactivated in 1905. Located near the center of Ouistreham. Site open, church open, tower status unknown. ARLHS FRA-687. Trouville and Honfleur Area Lighthouses * Dives-sur-Mer (2) 1937 (station established 1866). Active; focal plane 6 m (20 ft); white, red, or green light, depending on direction, occulting three times, in a 2+1 pattern, every 12 s. 5 m (16 ft) square brick building with a pronounced A-frame roof; the light is shown through a window. Jenšíková has a photo, and the tiny lighthouse is centered in a Google satellite view. Located beside the Rue des Bains (D513) at the mouth of the Dives estuary at Dives-sur-Mer, about 30 km (19 mi) northeast of Caen. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-675; Admiralty A1374; NGA 8580. * Trouville Jetée de l'Ouest 1875. Active; focal plane 11 m (36 ft); quick-flashing green light. 10 m (33 ft) round cast iron tower with lantern, gallery, and six ribs. Tower painted white, lantern and gallery green. This is a rare surviving nineteenth century cast iron tourelle. Werning has a photo, Trabas has a closeup, Huelse has a historic postcard view, and Google has a satellite view. Located at the end of the jetty on the southwest side of the entrance to Trouville-sur-Mer harbor; accessible by walking the jetty. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-528; Admiralty A1284; NGA 8584.

Phare de Ouistreham, September 2009 Wikimedia public domain photo by Rundvald

* Trouville Jetée de l'Est (3)

About 1952 (station established 1860). Active; focal plane 11 m (36 ft); four flashes, white or red depending on direction, every 12 s. 10 m (33 ft) round cast iron tower with lantern, gallery, and six ribs. Tower painted white, lantern and gallery red. Werning has a good photo, Trabas has a fine closeup, and Google has a satellite view. The 1875 lighthouse, a sibling of the west jetty light, was destroyed during World War II and replaced by a copy of the original. Located at the end of the jetty on the northeast side of the entrance to Trouville-sur-Mer harbor; accessible by walking the jetty. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-527; Admiralty A1283; NGA 8588.

* Falaise des Fonds (Le Butin) 1908. Active; focal plane 15 m (49 ft); three flashes every 12 s, white, red, or green depending on direction. 18 m (59 ft) square cylindrical stone tower with lantern and gallery. Werning has an excellent photo, Trabas has a closeup, Jenšíková has a good photo, Fichou has a drawing, Huelse has a historic postcard view, and Google has a satellite view. Located on the D513 highway on the south side of the entrance to the Seine estuary about 1.5 km (1 mi) west of Honfleur. There is parking adjacent to the lighthouse. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-280; Admiralty A1290; NGA 8616. * Honfleur (Feu de l'Hôpital) (2) 1843 (station established 1806). Inactive since 1908. 25 m (82 ft) unpainted round masonry tower with gallery; lantern removed. Werning has a photo, Christophe Lauer has another photo, Guyomard and Carceller have several photos, Huelse has a historic postcard view of the lighthouse with its lantern, and Google has a satellite view. Built at the edge of the estuary near the hospital, the lighthouse now stands some distance from the shore, apparently because land has been filled since it was built. It was replaced by the Falaise des Fonds lighthouse in 1908. In 1886, the lighthouse was the subject of a well-known impressionist painting by Georges Seurat. Located on the D513 highway at the northwest edge of Honfleur. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-682. * Honfleur Jetée de l'Est (3) 1876 (station established early 1800s). Active; focal plane about 15 m (49 ft); red light occulting twice every 6 s. 12 m (40 ft) round cylindrical tower with lantern and gallery, mounted on a stone base. Tower painted white, lantern and gallery red. Werning's photo is at right, Alban Thiery has a photo, Trabas also has a good photo, Jenšíková has photos, and Google has a satellite view. The present lighthouse replaced an 1843 masonry tower, which is believed to have replaced an earlier light. Located at the point of the jetty, marking the entrance to the Avant Port in the old city section of Honfleur. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-103; Admiralty A1294.

Feu de la Jetée de l'Est, Honfleur photo copyright Malte Werning; used by permission

Information available on lost lighthouses:

• Deauville (1875-1944), Calvados. ARLHS FRA-754.
• Granville Môle Neuf (1832-1944), Manche. ARLHS FRA-757.
• Pointe du Hoc (1831-1891), Calvados. Michel Forand has a historic postcard view. ARLHS FRA-762.

Notable faux lighthouses:

•  Le Havre Harbor Control, Honfleur, does not carry a navigational light. Google has a satellite view of this 50 m (164 ft) tower.

Adjoining pages: East: Haute-Normandie | South: Northern Brittany | West: Guernsey, Jersey

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Posted July 6, 2006. Checked and revised May 18, 2012. Lighthouses: 39. Site copyright 2012 Russ Rowlett and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.