Name and Location

The Phare de Ciboure, also known as the Upstream Range Light of the Port, is located in France's Basque coast, specifically on the Quai Maurice Ravel in Ciboure. The exact address is 1, Avenue Jean Jaurès (D912), 64500 Ciboure, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. Its coordinates are 43.384398 N, –1.666439 E.

2. Construction and History

The Phare de Ciboure was built in the 20th century to form an alignment pair with a corresponding downstream light, guiding vessels safely along the estuary of the river Nivelle into the port area. It is classified under French historical monuments (MHS) for its role in 20th-century maritime infrastructure.

3. Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse has a functional, utilitarian architectural style typical of mid-20th-century range lights. The tower is constructed from reinforced concrete and stands at a height of 30 meters above the base level. The cylindrical tower surmounted by a small lantern room.

4. Light and Navigation

The Phare de Ciboure serves as an upstream element of a two-light alignment system, helping vessels navigate safely into the harbour. As an optical aid, it is not co-located with electronic aids such as AIS or radar. The light range and characteristic are not publicly available in ANFR listings.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse tower itself is closed to the public, but its base stands on a quay freely accessible by foot from the town centre. Visitors can reach the site on foot from the Place d'Armes or by car with free street parking nearby. Cafés and restaurants line the quayside, offering refreshment options.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The Phare de Ciboure overlooks the marina basin where the Nivelle meets the sea. From its location, visitors can enjoy wide views along the Saint-Jean-de-Luz bay, across the Pointe Sainte-Barbe, and toward the Spanish coastal hills south of Hendaye.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

No relevant anecdotes or folklore are documented for this lighthouse.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is fully automated and does not have a resident keeper. Its management authority is the French Service des phares et balises, under the direction of the Ministère de la Mer. Conservation status is protected under national heritage law (Plan de sauvegarde et de mise en valeur).

9. Further Information

For further information, refer to Wikidata (Q3378206), French Wikipedia (fr:Phare de Ciboure), Base Merimee (Ministère de la Culture) ref. PA00125258, ANFR Light List (2023): FR 395191, and Cadastre DGI France (2010)/OpenStreetMap ID: way/72598412.