New Gatteville Lighthouse, Maritime beacon in Gatteville-le-Phare, France.
Description
The new Gatteville Lighthouse is a 74.75-meter granite tower on the Normandy coast with distinctive black and white stripes. A two-story keeper's building connects to its base in a U-shaped layout, forming a unified complex.
History
Construction began in 1829 to replace an older tower from 1774 that could no longer meet growing shipping demands. Architect Charles-Félix Morice de la Rue designed the new structure with improved engineering for stronger light reach.
Culture
The lighthouse embodies French maritime skill and shows how essential such structures were for seafarers. The tower and keeper's dwelling form a place that speaks to the deep connection between people and the sea.
Practical
The climb up 365 stairs leads to an observation gallery with views over the coast and water. The stairs are steep, so wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for a physical effort.
Did you know?
The tower uses a modern 1600-watt xenon lamp today, replacing the original beacon fire. The site was hand-operated for a long time until it connected to the electrical grid in 1948.
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Normandy offers historical sites and natural spaces worth a visit. You will find old monasteries, castles from the Middle Ages, villages along the coast, and different types of scenery. Some well-known places like the Bénédictine Palace in Fécamp or Monet's Gardens in Giverny attract visitors, while...
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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