Name and Location

The Gravelines Lighthouse is located in Gravelines, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France, serving as an important maritime landmark that has guided mariners for centuries.

Construction and History

The Gravelines Lighthouse was constructed in 1848 to serve as a guide for ships navigating the English Channel. Its location on the coast of Gravelines makes it an essential aid to navigation, helping vessels avoid the treacherous waters and rocky outcroppings that line the coastline.

Architecture and Materials

The Gravelines Lighthouse is a striking example of 19th-century architecture, with its characteristic black and white stripes. The tower stands at an impressive height of meters (feet) above sea level, making it a prominent feature of the Gravelines skyline.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse's design features a rotating optic that helps to amplify its light beam, allowing it to be seen from great distances.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can explore the lighthouse and learn about its history and operation. Guided tours are available during peak season (April-October), with special hours on Sundays and public holidays. The lighthouse is also open on Wednesdays and Fridays in July-August. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding coastline from the top of the tower.

Notable Views and Landscape

Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding coastline from the top of the tower.

Anecdotes and Folklore

The lighthouse is situated on a rocky outcropping known as the "Gravelines Point," which has been an important navigational aid since ancient times. In 2010, the lighthouse was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its cultural and historical significance.

Technical and Operational Details

The original Fresnel lens was replaced in 1921 with a new one that was powered by electricity.

Further Information

• Sources: French Ministry of Culture (Ministère de la Culture), Gravelines Tourism Office (Office de Tourisme de Gravelines), Wikipedia