Construction of lighthouse 1839-1850 (≈ 1845)
Directed by Léonce Reynaud, lasting 11 years.
1907
Lighthouse extinct
Lighthouse extinct 1907 (≈ 1907)
Due to the containment works of the Seine.
1923
Auction
Auction 1923 (≈ 1923)
Purchased by Gaston David, first private owner.
2000
Transformation into guest rooms
Transformation into guest rooms 2000 (≈ 2000)
Partial opening to the public.
13 septembre 2011
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 13 septembre 2011 (≈ 2011)
Total protection of the site and buildings.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The lighthouse in its entirety, with all the land and buildings dependent on it, i.e. all the built and unbuilt parts, including the ditches and fence walls (cf. AE 24-26): by order of 13 September 2011
Key figures
Léonce Reynaud - Architect
Designer of the lighthouse, major figure of the lighthouses.
Gaston David - First private owner
Buyer in 1923, turned it into a residence.
Origin and history
Fatouville Lighthouse was built between 1839 and 1850 on the town of Fatouville-Grestain, Normandy, to guide ships on the Seine estuary. Designed by architect Léonce Reynaud, renowned for its lighthouses, it peaks at 33 meters and its fire carried more than 40 kilometers. Its neat architecture, including an octagonal granite tower and a wooded forecourt, gives it the look of a castle, making it one of Reynaud's major works.
The lighthouse was deactivated in 1907 due to changes in the course of the Seine after containment work. Sold by the state in 1923, it became a family home for Gaston David, his first private owner. Today, it still belongs to its descendants and houses guest rooms since 2000. Ranked a historic monument in 2011, it includes the tower, ancillary buildings, gardens and fences.
The architectural complex includes a U-house with apartments and commons, as well as an orchard and garden. The sleep room and lantern, accessible by a stone staircase, bear witness to its past use. Although located inland, it was coupled with the Saint-Samson de la Roque lighthouse to provide river navigation. Its preservation and its ad hoc openness to the public make it a remarkable heritage of the Eure.
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