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.
very pleasant walks.