Phare de Terre-Nègre, Maritime lighthouse in Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, France.
The Phare de Terre-Nègre is a lighthouse in Saint-Palais-sur-Mer with a cylindrical tower rising from a square base building that houses service areas. The structure is now registered as a historical monument and remains an integral part of the coastal landscape.
This lighthouse was built in 1838 to replace an older installation from 1807 and was designed to guide ships through the southern passage of the Gironde estuary. Its construction reflected the need for improved navigation support in this strategically important waterway.
The lighthouse stands as a recognizable landmark along the Saint-Palais-sur-Mer shoreline, forming part of the visual identity of this coastal community. Visitors often encounter it as one of the defining features when exploring the waterfront and surrounding areas.
The lighthouse can be viewed from the shore, with the tower visible from nearby beaches and accessible walking paths in the area. Visitors should know that the structure is now fully automated and interior access may be limited depending on seasonal schedules.
Inside the tower lies a spiral staircase with 143 steps that winds around a central core, leading to an octagonal cabin and viewing platform at the top. This architectural feature offers those who make the climb sweeping views across the coast and far out to sea.
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