Le Capte Lighthouse

Le Capte is a historic lighthouse located on the French island of Hyères, off the coast of Provence.

History

• The lighthouse was constructed in 1864 to serve as a navigational aid for mariners navigating the busy shipping lanes of the Mediterranean Sea.
• The lighthouse emits a distinctive green light that can be seen for up to 1 nautical mile (1.9 kilometers).

Architecture

The Le Capte Lighthouse stands at an impressive height of 2 meters (6.6 feet) above sea level, with its focal point located at a distance of 1 meter (3.3 feet) from the base.

• The light's pattern is characterized by a sequence of flashes every 2 seconds, with an interval of 0.4 seconds between each flash.

Location

Le Capte Lighthouse is situated on Rue de la Darse in the town of Hyères, France.

• The lighthouse is easily accessible by car or public transportation, with several parking options available nearby.

Current Status

The Le Capte Lighthouse remains an active navigational aid to this day, although it has largely been replaced by more modern aids such as radar and electronic navigation systems.

• However, the lighthouse continues to be maintained and operated by local authorities, who work to ensure its continued functionality and safety for mariners.

Heritage Status

Le Capte Lighthouse is listed as a historic monument in France, recognizing its importance as a navigational aid and cultural landmark.

• The lighthouse has been designated as a "Monument Historique" since 1995, acknowledging its significance in the country's maritime history.

Notable Historical Events

The Le Capte Lighthouse played an important role during World War II, serving as a key location for French resistance fighters who used the lighthouse to coordinate their efforts and communicate with Allied forces.

• The lighthouse's strategic location made it an attractive target for German forces, who attempted to capture or destroy it in order to disrupt the resistance movement.
• Despite these challenges, the Le Capte Lighthouse continued to operate throughout the war, providing vital support to French forces and helping to facilitate the Allied victory.

Overall

The Le Capte Lighthouse remains a beloved landmark and cultural icon of Hyères, attracting visitors from around the world who come to marvel at its historic significance and beauty.