Phare de la Banche, Maritime lighthouse in La Baule-Escoublac, France.
Phare de la Banche is a lighthouse standing on a rocky plateau near La Baule-Escoublac, with a conical tower painted in black and white stripes. The tower sits about 30 meters tall and can only be reached via a long access jetty that extends from the shore.
The lighthouse was built by engineers Chatoney and Leferme between 1862 and 1865 on a rocky formation that appears above water only at low tide. Today it represents an important part of France's maritime heritage and received protection as a historical monument in 2011.
The lighthouse received historical monument status on December 2, 2011, recognizing its role in French maritime navigation heritage.
A 107-meter jetty connects the shore to the lighthouse entrance, which sits about 2 meters above the highest tide level. Plan your visit around tidal conditions, as rough sea conditions may occasionally prevent access.
The original 1930 optical system that flashed every 15 seconds has been preserved at the Nantes-Saint-Nazaire Port Authority rather than remaining inside the tower. This historic equipment demonstrates the technology that once guided ships safely along this dangerous coast.
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