Name and Location

The Phare d'Hourtin, also known as the North Light or Tour Nord, is a historic lighthouse located in Hourtin, Gironde, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France.

2. Construction and History

The Phare d'Hourtin was built between 1855 and 1860 to assist ships navigating the treacherous waters off the coast of Hourtin. It has been guiding mariners for over 150 years, making it a vital aid to navigation in the region.

3. Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is characterized by its distinctive red square brick tower with a gray top, standing at an impressive height of 31 meters (101 feet). The structure has been designed to withstand harsh coastal weather conditions.

4. Light and Navigation

The Phare d'Hourtin emits a white light with a range of 21 kilometers (13 miles), visible every 5 seconds for 4.9 minutes, followed by an interval of 0.1 minute. This distinctive light pattern helps mariners identify the location of the lighthouse.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

Information on accessibility and visiting the lighthouse is not available in the provided data sources.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The Phare d'Hourtin offers a unique vantage point for observing the surrounding coastline and sea.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

No anecdotes or folklore related to the Phare d'Hourtin are available in the provided data sources.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is classified as a Category A historic monument by the French Ministry of Culture, indicating its exceptional cultural and historical value. It has been recognized for its historical significance by several organizations, including the French Ministry of Culture and data.gouv.fr.

9. Further Information

The Phare d'Hourtin's entry on Wikidata is Q2377829, and its article on French Wikipedia is fr:Phare d'Hourtin.