Phare de Fatouville, Historical lighthouse in Fatouville-Grestain, France.
The Phare de Fatouville is a lighthouse in Normandy standing 32 meters tall with six stories built from limestone blocks sourced from Caen quarries. The structure features thick stone walls and an observation platform that offers views across the surrounding landscape.
The lighthouse was built in 1850 under architect Leonce Reynaud and served to guide ships through the Seine estuary until being decommissioned in 1907. Its closure reflected changes in shipping routes and maritime navigation needs in the region.
The lighthouse bears the name of the village that surrounds it and remains a visual landmark along the river landscape today. It shows how communities have transformed such structures into integrated parts of their local surroundings.
The site opens for visitors on specific days throughout the year, allowing you to explore the interior and climb the stairs to the observation platform. Check opening times in advance as access is limited to certain periods.
In 1923, a private owner named Gaston David purchased the lighthouse and converted it from a maritime beacon into a residential home. This transformation shows how some of these navigational structures were reinvented for domestic use rather than abandoned.
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