Name and Location

The Phare de Barfleur, also known as the Barfleur Harbour Lighthouse, is a small navigational beacon marking the entrance to the natural harbour of Barfleur on the northeastern tip of the Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy, France. It can be found at 15 Rue Pierre Salley, 50760 Barfleur, Manche, Normandie, France.

Construction and History

The original structure was erected in the first half of the 19th century (around 1835-1840) to guide coastal vessels into Barfleur's sheltered basin. The present tower dates from the late 1940s, after it was heavily damaged during World War II.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse has a typical 19th-century functional masonry design. It is constructed with white-washed stone or concrete, with a red-painted cylindrical lantern room resting on a simple gallery.

Light and Navigation

The light range of the Phare de Barfleur is nominally 8-10 nautical miles (charted value). The light characteristic is group flashing white—Fl (3) W 15 s. The lighthouse has been fully automated since the mid-20th century, with no on-site keeper.

Accessibility and Visiting

The grounds of the Phare de Barfleur are open to pedestrians year-round, with access along the harbour quay. Visitors can walk up to the base of the tower but cannot enter the lantern. The lighthouse is maintained by the national lighthouse service under the French Ministry of Transport.

Notable Views and Landscape

From the quay around Phare de Barfleur, visitors enjoy sweeping panoramas of the English Channel, the stone harbour breakwaters, and the tidal flats of the Saire estuary. The low, rugged coastline is characterized by granite outcrops and occasional fishing boats bobbing at anchor.

• SHOM (Service Hydrographique et Océanographique de la Marine) chart no. 7126;
• "Les Phares de France" (Éditions Ouest-France, 2010);
https://www.barfleur.fr; https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/153806740