CAPE FREHEL LIGHTHOUSE
Sensations guaranteed! The lighthouse (145 steps), built in 1950, is actually the third building. The first was suggested by Vauban in 1694. It was lited up in 1702 and only during winter months. In 1774, a lamppost with 60 spherical reflectors replaced the inferno. Placed in a lantern, this system started working in 1821. The range of its fire ranged from 15 to 21 miles. The second lighthouse was built around 1840, dues to the state of the building. The project is a new 22 m high octagonal tower which can support a Fresnel optic. The range of fire went up to 25 miles. The electrification plans of 1880 were abandonned following a ministerial decision. During the Second World War, the lighthouse is used as an observation post for the German army who destroyed the building on August 11, 1944. Only the old Vauban tower remained standing and supported a temporary fire until 1950. The current lighthouse, the third, was built from 1950. It uses a xenon arch lamp; the size of its fire varies from 200 m (very thick fog) to 120 km (good weather). At the top, you find yourself at more than 100 metres above sea level. In clear weather, you can be at 100 km! It is one of the most powerful lighthouses in France, it has been classified as a historical monument in 2011.
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Members' reviews on CAPE FREHEL LIGHTHOUSE
La vue n'apporte pas beaucoup plus que la vue qu'on a deja du cap frehel.
Si vous voulez economiser de l'argent ne monter pas.
Seul bémol : nous y avions été une première fois, nous avons payé le parking pour rien puisque le phare était fermé exceptionnellement ce jour-là. Aucun affichage et à la caisse, on vous saute dessus mais personne ne vous fait savoir que le phare est fermé.
Le lendemain nous y sommes donc retournés en faisant cette fois la rando qui mène au phare à partir du camping. La vue est magnifique. Nous avons encore dû payé pour monter au phare mais cela est, cette fois, bien normale et de bas coût par rapport à la vue que nous y trouvons en haut.
An extraordinary view of the sea. The landscape is magnificent especially in clear weather.
Access to the top of the lighthouse. Paying.
Flights and incessant egrets of seagulls on your heads. You can walk the GR 34 to Fort La Latte. (2h30 AR) You should be respectful of nature going only on the marked trail and avoid dogs…
Pay parking 2 €…
Recommended site.
Le phare est ouvert au public d'avril à mi-octobre.