Phare de Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue

The Phare de Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue is a historic lighthouse located on the coast of Normandy, France.

Overview

The construction of the Phare de Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue began in 1858 and was completed in 1860. The tower stands at a height of 12 meters (39 feet) above sea level, with a focal height of approximately 25 meters (82 feet). The lighthouse is believed to have played an important role in maritime navigation during the late 19th century.

History

The Phare de Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue features a traditional French-style lighthouse design. The tower is constructed from stone and has a distinctive red-and-white striped pattern. The light source is reportedly a fourth-order Fresnel lens, which was used to produce a powerful beam of light that could be seen for several miles out to sea.

Light Characteristics

The Phare de Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue emits a distinctive red-and-green light pattern, with each light having a period of 6 seconds. The lighthouse is reportedly equipped with a fog signal, which is activated when the weather conditions are hazardous.

Current Status

The Phare de Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue is no longer an active aid to navigation and has been converted into a museum. Visitors can explore the tower and learn about its history and significance in maritime navigation.

Location and Accessibility

The Phare de Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue is located on the coast of Normandy, France, near the town of Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue. The lighthouse is accessible by car or on foot, with parking available nearby.

Heritage Status

The Phare de Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue has been recognized as a historic landmark and is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The tower and its surrounding fortifications are also listed as part of the Fortifications of Vauban UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Notable Historical Events

In 2008, the watchtowers of Tatihou and La Hougue were listed as part of the Fortifications of Vauban UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The town of Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue was also awarded "2 flowers" by the concours des villes et villages fleuris contest in 2008.

References

None available