Bassin d'Arcachon, vivre les vraies vacances
Visit the Cap Ferret lighthouse

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.

258 steps lead to the top of the 57-metre high lighthouse and a stunning view over the whole Peninsula and right across the bay to Pyla.

It’s a long way up to the top –
but it’s worth it for the view!

Looking up from ground level, you’ll be struck by the imposing architecture of the lighthouse, at once modern and traditional, with its robust yet elegant tapering profile.

And looking up, you’ll most likely wonder: is the view worth the climb?

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 PLAN 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 metres
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 and prices

Opening times

15 December 2018 to 31 March 2019:
Wednesdays to Sundays, from 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm

1 April 2019 to 30 June 2019:
Every day from 10.00 am to 12.30 pm and from 2.00 pm to 6.30 pm

1 July 2019 to 31 August 2019:
Every day from 10.00 am to 7.30 pm

1 to 30 September 2019:
Every day from 10.00 am to 12.30 pm and from 2.00 pm to 6.30 pm

1 October 2019 to 15 November 2019:
Wednesdays to Sundays, from 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm

Last entrance 30 minutes before the site closes.

The rates

Adults: €6

Children (aged 4 to 12): €4

Group visits need to be reserved

No dogs.

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