Guéthary Watchtower, Historic watchtower in Bidart, France

Guéthary Watchtower is a rectangular stone structure with a semicircular end located in Bidart on the French coast. The building features lateral walls that flank a central staircase leading to the observation platform at the top.

Built in the 18th century, the tower served as a whale spotting post where guards watched the sea for signs of activity. Smoke signals were used to alert nearby fishermen when a sighting was confirmed.

The tower represents the final remnant of traditional Basque whale hunting culture and shows how deeply the region depended on the sea and its resources. The location tells of a time when the coast was a workplace and watching the ocean shaped daily routines.

The tower stands on the Bidart side of the boundary with Getaria (Guéthary), on the slope above Parlementia beach, not in the village centre. It is reached on foot via coastal paths; the immediate surroundings are built up, so the structure is best seen from the path rather than entered.

In the 1960s the original structure was incorporated into modern construction and now functions as a navigation light for ships. This means the tower preserves history while still serving a practical purpose for maritime traffic.