Name and Location

The Phare de la Hève, also known as the Cap de la Hève Lighthouse, marks the northern entrance to the Seine estuary off Sainte-Adresse in Normandy, France. The lighthouse is located at 100–102 Rue du Carrousel, 76310 Sainte-Adresse, Seine-Maritime, Normandy, France.

2. Construction and History

The Phare de la Hève was first lit in 1788 with a cast-iron tower. In the mid-19th century, a new stone tower was built, standing approximately 33 meters tall. During World War II, the lighthouse was heavily damaged in 1944. The current tower was inaugurated in 1957 and is built on the original foundations.

3. Architecture and Materials

The Phare de la Hève features a cylindrical masonry tower with a gallery and lantern. The tower stands 33 meters above its base and has a focal height of 123 meters above sea level. The stairs to the lantern room consist of 291 steps. Local limestone and reinforced concrete were used in the construction.

4. Light and Navigation

The lighthouse emits a white flash every 5 seconds, visible for 24 nautical miles. The light has a characteristic Fl W 5 s and is visible between bearings 196° and 225°. The Admiralty number is A 1256, and the French national reference is FR 336012.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

The Phare de la Hève is open to visitors during the warmer months (typically April–September) on guided tours only. Admission fees apply, and reservations can be made through the Sainte-Adresse Tourist Office.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

From the top of the lighthouse, visitors can enjoy spectacular 360° views of the English Channel, the Seine estuary, and Le Havre's coastline.

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8. Technical and Operational Details

The Phare de la Hève is automated and managed by the Service des phares et balises, Ministère de la Mer, France. There are no public installations reported for AIS/Radar.

9. Further Information

For further reading, please refer to ANFR (Agence nationale des fréquences), Lighthouse data, August 2019; Base Mérimée (Ministère de la Culture), ref. PA76000090; French Wikipedia: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phare_de_la_Hève; and Cadastre-DGI, Direction Générale des Impôts – Cadastre (2010).