Le Phare

Located in the port district of Courgain Maritime, the lighthouse dominates the city from its 58 metres high. Repeated shipwrecks near the coast led the maritime authorities to install a lighthouse with "rotating lights" which began operating on 1 December 1818 at the top of the Tour du Guet.

In 1839, an investigation into the project for the construction of a new lighthouse was ordered. The location of this monument was almost identical to Fort Risban or the East Pier, but it was finally the north corner of the fortifications that was chosen. Construction began in 1845 and was completed on August 10, 1848. The lighthouse first operated with an oil lamp, then with a paraffin lamp, and was not electrified until 1883.

Since then, the monument has withstood the bombardments of the Second World War and today offers from the top of its 271 steps a magnificent panorama between sea, city and countryside. A discovery room presents the history of lighthouses and beacons and maritime signalling.

Opening hours and rates: https://www.pharedecalais.com/

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