Phare du cap Bénat, lighthouse at Bormes-les-Mimosas, in Var, France
The phare du cap Bénat is a lighthouse on the French Mediterranean coast near Bormes-les-Mimosas, built on a rocky headland. The white structure rises about 50 feet (15 meters) and operates from an elevation of over 200 feet (63 meters) above sea level.
The exact date of the lighthouse's construction remains unknown due to destroyed archives, leaving a mystery around its early years. The operation was automated in the 1980s, eliminating the need for resident keepers.
The lighthouse stands at a key point along the Mediterranean coast and serves as a symbol of the connection between land and sea for those who live and work here. The red light flashing every five seconds is a familiar signal for local sailors and residents.
The lighthouse stands on private land and is not open to the public, but the cape can be reached on foot via a coastal hiking trail from Bormes-les-Mimosas that takes about two hours. Visitors should plan to arrive during daylight to enjoy the coastal views and safely explore the surrounding area.
The exact construction date and early history of the lighthouse are lost to time because archives were destroyed, giving the place an air of mystery. The light beam can be seen from a distance of about 22 miles (36 kilometers) using a 1000-watt halogen lamp.
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