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TourJoséphine

9 Av. Jean Cristau, 85800 Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, France

Name and Location

Tour Joséphine is a historic lighthouse located in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, France, situated on the west coast of the country in the Vendée department.

Construction and History

Built in the 19th century, Tour Joséphine was designed to serve as a beacon for sailors navigating the treacherous waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Over the years, it has undergone several renovations and upgrades to ensure its continued operation as a reliable navigation aid.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is constructed from sturdy stone and steel, standing at an impressive height. Its unique architecture features a distinctive tower with a lantern room and a spiral staircase leading up to the top.

Light and Navigation

As an important part of France's coastal defense system, Tour Joséphine continues to serve as a beacon for mariners and travelers alike, providing guidance and navigation aid for those navigating the Atlantic coast.

Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse is open to visitors during certain times of the year, offering stunning views of the surrounding coastline. Visitors can climb to the top and take in the breathtaking vistas.

Notable Views and Landscape

From its vantage point, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding coastline.

Anecdotes and Folklore

The lighthouse is named after Joséphine de Beauharnais, the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. It has been recognized for its historical significance and cultural importance by the French government.

Technical and Operational Details

Today, Tour Joséphine remains an important part of the French coastal defense system, serving as a critical link in the network of lighthouses along the Atlantic coast.

Further Information

Tour Joséphine is open to visitors during certain times of the year. For more information on visiting hours and other details, please consult with local authorities or tourist information centers.

Details

NameTourJoséphine
CitySaint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie
CountryFrance
Coordinates46.6968111, -1.9481664
Year of construction19thcentury
EventsOpentovisitorsduringcertaintimesoftheyear.
Historic significanceRecognizedbytheFrenchgovernmentforitshistoricalsignificanceandculturalimportance.
Keeper stories
Stories1
Construction materialStoneandsteel
Focal height
Tower height[insertheight]
RenovationsSeveralrenovationsandupgradestoensurecontinuedoperationasareliablenavigationaid.
Landscape type
View descriptionStunningviewsofthesurroundingcoastline.
Facilities
Light characteristic
Light range