Name and Location

The Phare du Cap Béar, also known as the Cap Bear Lighthouse, is located on the eastern point of the Côte Vermeille in France. The lighthouse sits at 42°30′56″ N, 03°08′12″ E, overlooking the Gulf of Lion.

2. Construction and History

The Phare du Cap Béar was built in the early 20th century. It has been recognized as a Listed Monument Historique since October 9, 2012, with reference PA66000034. The lighthouse is part of Wikimedia's Wikidata Q3378543 and has a French Wikipedia page.

3. Architecture and Materials

The Phare du Cap Béar is a cylindrical masonry tower with a balcony and lantern, attached to a keeper's house (now vacated). The tower stands 27 meters tall and has five interior levels. It is made of stone and reinforced concrete, typical of early-20th-century French lighthouses. The tower is white with a contrasting lantern room.

4. Light and Navigation

The Phare du Cap Béar emits a group-flash of three white flashes every 15 seconds (Fl (3) W 15 s). The sequence timing is 0.1 second flash, followed by 2.9 seconds eclipse, repeated twice, then 0.1 second flash, followed by 8.9 seconds eclipse. The lighthouse has a range of 30 nautical miles and covers approaches to Port-Vendres from bearing 146° clockwise to 056°.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

The grounds surrounding the lighthouse are freely accessible year-round via a coastal path off Chem. du Cap Béar, which is a short walk from the parking area. The tower interior is closed to general visitors due to safety concerns. There are no onsite visitor facilities or restrooms; picnic spots are available nearby.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The Phare du Cap Béar offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea, the Albères Mountains, and the Spanish coast on clear days. The surrounding landscape features rugged crystalline rocks, Mediterranean maquis, and scrub. Seabirds such as gannets and shearwaters can be spotted offshore, along with occasional dolphins.

7. Further Information

The lighthouse is managed by the French National Lighthouse Service (ANFR) under reference 983004. Chart references include French SHOM E0496, NGA Pub. 113, and Admiralty A 496. There are no publicly documented AIS or radar installations on site.