Biarritz Lighthouse, Maritime navigation landmark on Saint-Martin Point, Biarritz, France
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.
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.
The structure incorporates Augustin Fresnel's innovative concentric ring glass lens technology, which revolutionized maritime navigation through enhanced light projection capabilities.
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.
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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