Biarritz Lighthouse
Biarritz Lighthouse, Maritime navigation landmark on Saint-Martin Point, Biarritz, France
Description
Biarritz Lighthouse is a conical white tower standing at Saint-Martin Point, topped with a copper dome and adorned with decorative bronze details. At 47 meters tall, it rises prominently above the rocky coastal point and serves as a recognizable landmark visible from many parts of the town.
History
The lighthouse began operating in 1834 and was later electrified to improve navigation for ships. Automation was introduced decades later, making the structure less dependent on permanent staff.
Culture
The structure incorporates Augustin Fresnel's innovative concentric ring glass lens technology, which revolutionized maritime navigation through enhanced light projection capabilities.
Practical
Visitors can climb an interior staircase with about 250 steps to reach the observation platform high above ground. The climb offers sweeping views of the coastline and ocean in all directions.
Did you know?
Two white light flashes from this tower appear every ten seconds, creating a distinctive pattern easily recognized by ships at sea. This rhythm differs from neighboring coastal beacons, making navigation much clearer for maritime traffic.
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Biarritz offers photographers and visitors a coastal path that connects several landmark locations. The Rocher de la Vierge rock monument, the Art Deco Casino, the lighthouse, and the imperial palace define the city's character. Several beaches including Grande Plage, Port Vieux, and Côte des...
French lighthouses line approximately 3,400 miles (5,500 km) of coast, from the English Channel to the Mediterranean Sea. These maritime structures, built between the 17th and 20th centuries, occupy strategic locations on rocky promontories, islands, and sometimes in open sea. Constructed from...
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