Climb the Dune du Pilat
Decouverte
The must-haves
Visit the Cap Ferret lighthouse
CLIMB UP FOR A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE PENINSULA.
AND ON YOUR WAY BACK DOWN, LEARN ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THIS ICONIC LIGHTHOUSE. PORE OVER NAUTICAL CHARTS AND TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE ON THE INTERACTIVE DISPLAYS.
Getting there is plain sailing!
Just scan the horizon until you spot the lighthouse, or find it on the map.
Just scan the horizon until you spot the lighthouse, or find it on the map.
Don’t think twice, just set off up the 258 steps! Don’t be discouraged, you won’t be disappointed!
The Cap Ferret lighthouse you see today dates from 1947.
The first lighthouse, built in 1840, was destroyed by the Germans at the end of the war.
You can still see the remains of the wartime bunkers. From the top of the lighthouse , enjoy a superb view over the whole bay – the oyster beds, the Île aux Oiseaux, the ‘passes’ or access channels to the bay, the Dune du Pilat, and the ocean. It’s a totally new perspective! A beautiful, panoramic view that will take your breath away!
A lighthouse for the panorama, and a museum for knowledge
The spectacular view over the whole bay is not the only reason to add the Cap Ferret lighthouse to your ‘to-do’ list. The art deco interior, including mosaic map of the bay, a wind rose decorating the floor, and the wrought-iron work of the lift shaft, are also remarkable.
The exhibition areas have recently been upgraded, and displays include old and modern nautical charts and the history of navigation in the bay and of the lighthouse. Young scientists will love the animated maps, interactive displays and 3D presentation of the optical mechanism of a lighthouse.
All you need to know to prepare your day
Fact Sheet
- Function : Landfall lighthouse
- Location : Cap-Ferret, Bassin d’Arcachon, Gironde
- Coordinates : Latitude 44 38 45 25 – Longitude 1 14 55 74
- Built : 1840 and 1947
- Came into service : 1840
- Automation and remote control : 1995
- Number of steps : 258
- Height : 57 m
- Timing signal generator : A rotating optical system comprising four lenses. The lens assembly floats on mercury, ensuring frictionless 360° rotation.
- Light signal : A red flash every five seconds
- Range : 27 nautical miles (approx. 50 km)
- Lamp : 220V 1000-watt halogen lamp
Opening Times & rates
- Opening rates : available on the website
- Adults : €7
- Children (aged 4 to 12) : €4
- Additional info : The entrance stops 30 minutes before the closing of the gates. Group visits must be reserved ahead of time. Dogs are not allowed within the lighthouse.
