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Gatteville lighthouse
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Tips
Vincent Reboul
December 12, 2023
Hiking
On the tip of Barfleur, we discover this immense lighthouse as well as a semaphore, located a little further away. The two structures do not have the same functions, but are complementary.
While one reports, the other informs. The lighthouse has a powerful light at its top which is used to guide ships at night. The semaphore is a kind of optical telegraph which is used to communicate the positions of the different boats coming from the open sea. It provides them with various indications which prove extremely useful to sailors.
While one reports, the other informs. The lighthouse has a powerful light at its top which is used to guide ships at night. The semaphore is a kind of optical telegraph which is used to communicate the positions of the different boats coming from the open sea. It provides them with various indications which prove extremely useful to sailors.
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Dieter
May 20, 2025
Hiking
The original lighthouse was built in 1775 to protect the dangerous waters around Pointe de Barfleur, which were known for numerous shipping disasters, including the sinking of the "White Ship" in 1120. Since the first tower did not meet the requirements of the 1825 national coastal lighting program, construction began on a new, larger tower in 1829. Completed in 1835 under the direction of architect Charles-Félix Morice de la Rue, it replaced the old tower, which was then used as an optical telegraph.
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Willem VS
June 3, 2021
Cycling
This 75 m high lighthouse was built in the period 1829-1835 and is one of the tallest in France. It has a light range of 56 km. The radio beacon in the 18th century tower guides the ships to the port of Le Havre. The lighthouse has 365 steps, 52 windows and 12 floors: as many days, weeks and months as a year. The summit offers a wide panorama** over the entire east coast of the Cotentin peninsula.
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Sunday 1 November
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There’s a fairly high chance of rain. Consider packing a waterproof jacket.
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