Name and Location

The Barfleur Harbour Entrance Lighthouse stands at the tip of the north breakwater in the fishing port of Barfleur, on the Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy, France. Its official name is not published, but it is commonly referred to as "Barfleur Harbour Light" or "Barfleur Pier Light." The lighthouse can be found at the address Quai Henri Chardon, 50760 Barfleur, Manche, Normandy, France, with coordinates 49°40′19.56″ N, 1°15′34.0″ W (decimal: 49.6720998, –1.2594005).

Construction and History

The exact construction date of the lighthouse is unknown, but it is believed to have been built in the late 19th or early 20th century. The structure is a squat masonry or concrete tower, cylindrical or square in plan, rising from a masonry pierhead.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse's architecture is purely functional, with no ornamentation. It is made of stone or reinforced concrete for the tower, with cast-iron or aluminum lantern housing.

Light and Navigation

The focal plane of the lighthouse is estimated to be 7–8 meters above mean sea level. The light characteristic is likely a fixed or occulting white light, but the exact pattern is unknown. The range of the light is approximately 5–8 nautical miles.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can walk the pier at their own risk, but they may not enter the lantern enclosure. To reach the lighthouse, follow signs to the port from Barfleur village, and the pier will be immediately north of the fishing boat moorings. Please check tides before walking the breakwater, as stones can be slippery.

Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding landscape features a harbour basin with traditional fishing boats and pleasure craft. The rugged granite coast and tidal pools are also worth exploring. The nearby Gatteville Lighthouse is one of France's tallest traditional lighthouses, located approximately 11 kilometers north.

Anecdotes and Folklore

Barfleur was once a major medieval embarkation point for English Channel crossings. According to local lore, the pier light guided livestock barges to safety on stormy nights.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is an active aid to navigation, maintained by the French Maritime Authorities. It appears on SHOM nautical chart 7395 (Entrée du Port de Barfleur) and is kept in operation year-round, with the possibility of being extinguished during daylight hours.

Further Information

For further information on visiting and exploring the surrounding area, please refer to Comité Départemental du Tourisme de la Manche – Barfleur tourist guide.