Name and Location

The Phare du Cap Lihou, also known as the Granville Lighthouse, is a historic lighthouse located in the heart of Normandy, France.

Construction and History

The Phare du Cap Lihou was constructed between 1819 and 1827 during the French Restoration period. The lighthouse's design is attributed to architect Louis-Antoine de Bougainville, who also built other notable structures in Normandy.

Architecture and Materials

The tower's architecture reflects a blend of neoclassical and medieval styles, with its white stone façade and rounded shape. Its striking height of 25 meters makes it a prominent landmark overlooking the picturesque town of Granville.

Light and Navigation

The Phare du Cap Lihou features a white light with a range of 23 kilometers (14.3 miles), displayed for a period of 15 seconds every 2.5 minutes. The light's sequence is composed of two short flashes, followed by one long flash, and then another short flash.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse via a short walk from the town center of Granville. While the tower itself is not open to the public, visitors can admire its beauty from the outside. Guided tours are available upon request.

Notable Views and Landscape

The Phare du Cap Lihou stands proudly on the Pointe du Roc, overlooking the English Channel and offering stunning views of the coastline and nearby islands.

Technical and Operational Details

In 2009, the lighthouse was classified as a historical monument (Monument historique) by the French Ministry of Culture. The lighthouse is managed by the Manche Departmental Council (Conseil Départemental de la Manche).

Further Information

For more information on the Phare du Cap Lihou, please refer to the following sources:

• ANFR (2019)
• US NGA Pub. 114 (2011-05-26)