Name and Location

The Phare de la Hague, also known as the Phare de Goury or Cap de la Hague-Gros du Raz light, is located on the western tip of the Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy, France. The exact coordinates are 49°43′19″ N, 1°57′16″ W.

2. Construction and History

The present masonry tower was inscribed as a Monument historique (Inscription PA50000063) in 2009. Early aids to navigation at Goury date from the early 19th century. The French Lighthouse Service (Service des Phares et Balises) is responsible for its operation and maintenance.

3. Architecture and Materials

The tower is constructed from local granite, with a cylindrical shaft topped by a lantern and gallery. The attached keeper's house is also made of granite, rendered in a distinctive light color. The architectural style is functional 19th-century design with a classical cornice and an iron lantern.

4. Light and Navigation

The lighthouse has a focal height of 48 meters above mean high water. Its light range is 23 nautical miles, with a characteristic of one white flash every 5 seconds (0.1 second flash + 4.9 seconds eclipse). The Admiralty reference number is A 1512. A fog signal, consisting of one long blast every 30 seconds, category 1, is also present.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

The site is accessible on foot via coastal paths from the village of Goury. However, the tower itself is not open to the public due to restricted property access. There are no visitor centers or on-site facilities available.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

The name "Raz Blanchard" refers to the white frothing of the sea in stormy conditions. Strong currents here have caused numerous shipwrecks over the centuries. During World War II, the lighthouse was occupied briefly by German forces, who altered some interior fittings.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is fully automated and remotely monitored and maintained by the French Lighthouse Service. The Nautical charts that include this lighthouse are French SHOM chart 6550, UKHO Admiralty chart A5101, and NGA 114.

9. Further Information

For more information, refer to US NGA Pub. 114 (2011), "List of Lights, Radio Aids and Fog Signals", SHOM chart 6550 "Manche – Côtes de la Hague", French Wikipedia: fr:Phare de la Hague, and Wikidata: Q3378476.