Phare de la Hève, Maritime lighthouse in Sainte-Adresse, France
The Phare de la Hève is an octagonal concrete tower standing 32 meters tall on the chalk cliffs north of the Seine estuary, 102 meters above sea level. A rotating optical system at the top produces white light flashes every 5 seconds to guide ships navigating the waters below.
Twin lighthouses built in 1775 were destroyed during World War II bombing in 1944. The present tower was rebuilt in 1951 and has guided maritime traffic ever since.
The lighthouse was designed by architect Henri Colboc and stands as a registered historic monument. It shapes the skyline of this coastal area and serves as a landmark for those arriving by sea or walking along the cliffs.
Climbing to the lantern room involves 161 steps, though an elevator runs through the center of the staircase for easier access. Visit on a clear day to enjoy the views over the cliffs and across the water.
The interior staircase is suspended limestone construction with a central core housing an elevator. This unusual post-war design creates a distinctive interior structure that few lighthouses possess.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
