Gatteville Lighthouse

The largest onshore lighthouse in France  Located on the Pointe de Barfleur, this 75-metre high "granite colossus" weighing 7,400 tonnes (11,000 hand-cut blocks) was built without scaffolding. Designed by the architect Morice De La Rue in 1829, the lighthouse of Gatteville was put into service in 1835 and considered at that time the tallest stone tower built in the world. At the top of a spiral staircase of 349 steps two walkways allow visitors to benefit from an unobstructed view of the Val de Saire, the sea of the Manche and go around the lantern of the lighthouse. Equipped with two 250-watt lamps and a double optic, its four light beams form a gigantic X that guides the sailors of the Bay of Seine and the Channel in all weather conditions. Its radius crosses, to the north, that of the lighthouse of Sainte Catherine on the Isle of Wight and, to the east, that of Cap de la Hève au Havre. Two white flashes in ten seconds are its luminous signature. On site an exhibition room.