Phare du cap Lihou, Historical lighthouse at Cap Lihou, Granville, France.
The Phare du Cap Lihou is a stone lighthouse standing on the Roc headland overlooking Granville harbor. The structure rises from its rocky location with a distinctive red-painted top that serves as a navigational marker for passing ships.
Engineer Augustin Fresnel approved the construction plans in 1825, and the lighthouse was completed in 1828. The building coincided with France modernizing its ports and improving navigation safety along the coast.
The interior displays oak furniture decorated with inlaid marquetry showing lions and leaves, showing the craft skills of maritime workers. Visitors can see the carefully finished details that reveal how lighthouse keepers personalized their living spaces.
The lighthouse is automated and sits on a rocky headland accessible from the nearby beach area. Visitors should wear appropriate footwear since the terrain is rocky and can be slippery, especially when weather conditions change.
During World War II, German forces painted the entire structure green to camouflage it within the surrounding landscape. This attempt at concealment was part of military efforts to protect the coastal defense from air attacks.
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