The Cap-Ferret Lighthouse, located on the peninsula of the same name at Lège-Cap-Ferret (Gironde), is a landmark building between the Arcachon Basin and the Atlantic Ocean. Its initial construction in 1840, after plans dating back to 1792, made it a 47.7-metre tower, electrified in 1929. He played a key role in navigation in this strategic coastal zone.
Destructed in August 1944 by the Germans during their retreat, the lighthouse was rebuilt between 1947 and 1949 according to the original plans, with a height raised to 52.1 meters. The new structure, automated in 1995, has a symbolic decoration (years 1840-1947, star, ship in bas-relief) and a mosaic of Auguste Labouret representing the Arcachon basin. A blockhouse of the Occupation, still visible, bears witness to this period.
Ranked a historic monument in 2009, the lighthouse now offers a tour including 258 steps leading to an exceptional panorama, as well as an exhibition on local topography, nautical charts and navigational instruments. A shop and tributes to figures such as Beautemps-Beaupré (hydragraphy) and Augustin Fresnel (lentils) complete the site, celebrated in 2019 with a postmark.
The current building, with its white truncated tower with red apex and its attached building, remains a major coastal landmark. Its red flashing fire every five seconds always guides the navigators, perpetuating a mission begun almost two centuries ago.
Période d'ouverture : Juillet/Août : ouvert tous les jours de 10h à 19h30
Jours d'ouverture : Avril, Mai, Juin et Septembre : ouvert tous les jours de 10h à 12h30 et de 14h à 18h30 et Octobre à Mars : du mercredi au dimanche de 14h à 17h
Tarifs de visite : Adultes : 6 euros, Enfants de 4 à 12 ans : 4 euros, Groupes sur réservation
