Lighthouses of France: Manche (Cotentin)

France (officially the French Republic, République française) has coasts facing south on the Mediterranean Sea, west on the open Atlantic Ocean, and north on the English Channel (La Manche in French). Long a leader in lighthouse design, France has scores of famous and historic lighthouses. And it was a French engineer and physicist, Augustin-Jean Fresnel (1788-1837), who invented the powerful and beautiful lenses used in lighthouses around the world.

Normandy is a former duchy in the northwest of France, named for the Vikings ("Northmen") who invaded and settled it in the 9th century. William, Duke of Normandy, conquered England in 1066 and through the end of the 12th century the dukes of Normandy were also kings of England.

Metropolitan (European) France is divided into 13 administrative regions (régions) and the regions are divided into departments (départements). In 2016 the former administrative regions of Basse-Normandie and Haute-Normandie were combined to form a unified Normandie region. This page lists lighthouses of the Manche Department in Basse-Normandie. This department includes the Cotentin Peninsula and the port of Cherbourg.

This is also part of the Normandy of the D-Day invasion of 6 June 1944, and the entire region saw some of the fiercest fighting of World War II in Western Europe. Very few of the lighthouses in the area escaped damage and many were destroyed.

The French word for a lighthouse, phare, is often reserved for the larger coastal lighthouses; a smaller light or harbor light is called a feu (literally "fire," but here meaning "light") or a balise (beacon). The front light of a range (alignement) is the feu antérieur and the rear light is the feu postérieur. In French île is an island, cap is a cape, pointe is a promontory or point of land, roche is a rock, récife is a reef, baie is a bay, estuaire is an estuary or inlet, détroit is a strait, rivière is a river, and havre is a harbor.

Aids to navigation in France are maintained by the Bureau des Phares et Balises, an agency of the Direction des Affaires Maritimes (Directorate of Maritime Affairs). The Directorate has four regional offices (called Directions Interrégionale de la Mer, or DIRM) at Le Havre, Nantes, Bordeaux, and Marseille. Lights in Normandie are managed by the DIRM Nord-Atlantique Manche Est - Mer du Nord (DIRM-MEMN) at Le Havre.

ARLHS numbers are from the ARLHS World List of Lights. FR numbers are from the French light list Feux et signaux de brume, where known. Admiralty numbers are from volume A of the Admiralty List of Lights & Fog Signals. U.S. NGA List numbers are from Publication 114.

General Sources
Phares de la DIRM MEMN
Lighthouse information from the DIRM regional office.
Les Sentinelles des Mers - France Nord
Photos and information posted by Guy Detienne.
Le Phare à travers le Monde
A large, well known site maintained by Alain Guyomard and Robert Carceller.
Online List of Lights - France - North Coast - West Part and East Part
Photos by various photographers posted by Alexander Trabas. Many photos for France are by Capt. Peter Mosselberger ("Capt. Peter").
Phareland, le Site des Phares de France
This comprehensive site has good photos and information about the major lighthouses.
Leuchttürme.net - Frankreich
Photos and notes by Malte Werning.
France Lighthouses
Aerial photos posted by Marinas.com.
Lighthouses in Normandie
Photos by various photographers available from Wikimedia.
Société Nationale pour le Patrimoine des Phares et Balises (S.N.P.B.)
The French national lighthouse preservation organization.
Französische Leuchttürme
Historic photos and postcard images posted by Klaus Huelse.
GPSNautical Charts
Navigation chart for Normandy.
Google Maps
Satellite view of the Manche Department.


Cap de Carteret Light, Carteret, July 2020
Flickr Creative Commons photo by Stefan Klaas


Barfleur Feu Postérieur, Barfleur, July 2022
photo copyright Capt. Peter Mosselberger; used by permission

Département de la Manche Lighthouses

Mont Saint-Michel and Granville Lighthouses
* Mont Saint-Michel (2) (Tour Gabriel)
1881 (station established 1870). Inactive since 1904. Approx. 8 m (26 ft) round cylindrical stone tower with a conical roof, known as the Tour Gabriel (Gabriel Tower). A closeup photo of the tower is available and Google has a street view and a satellite view. Mont Saint-Michel is a famous and historic fortified abbey on an island in the southeastern corner of the Baie du Mont Saint-Michel at the base of the Cotentin peninsula. The Tour Gabriel is located at the base of the mount, on the west side of the island. The abbey is surrounded by a large area that is covered with water at high tide but dry at low tide. The light was displayed "from 2 hours before to 1-1/2 hour after high water," according to an 1895 light list. During this brief interval it was possible for small boats to approach the abbey. The light was discontinued when it was observed that no boats were making use of this service. Located at the abbey, about 5 km (3 mi) north of Beauvoir. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-760.
Le Loup
1893. Active; focal plane 8.5 m (28 ft); two white flashes every 6 s. 24 m (79 ft) round stone tower painted black with two red horizontal bands. Trabas has a closeup 2014 photo by Stephen Hix, Herve Marchand has a street view from the Granville east jetty, Daniel Théau has a drone view of this light and the two jetty lights (next entries), and Bing has an indistinct satellite view. Located on a dangerous rock about 400 m (1/4 mi) south of Granville harbor. Accessible only by boat. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-694; Admiralty A1666; NGA 8040.
* Granville Jetée Est
Date unknown (station established 1832). Active; focal plane 11 m (36 ft); green flash every 2.5 s. 9 m (30 ft) three-legged steel pylon with gallery, painted green and rising from a round stone tower. The two jetty lights flash simultaneously. Trabas has Capt. Peter's 2022 photo, Philippe Marsault has a 2021 closeup, and Google has a satellite view. Located on the east breakwater at Granville; accessible by walking the pier. Site open, tower closed. Admiralty A1664; NGA 8048.
* Granville Jetée Ouest
Date unknown (station established 1832). Active; focal plane 12 m (39 ft); red flash every 2.5 s. 9 m (30 ft) three-legged steel pylon with gallery, painted red and rising from a round stone tower. Trabas has Capt. Peter's 2022 photo, Herve Marchand has a street view from the east jetty, and Google has an indistinct satellite view. Huelse has a historic postcard view of the original lighthouse, a 10.5 m (34 ft) round stone tower; it was destroyed in D-Day fighting in 1944. Located on the main breakwater at Granville; accessible by walking the pier. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-757; Admiralty A1662; NGA 8044.
* Granville (Pointe du Roc, Cap Lihou)
1827. Active; focal plane 49 m (161 ft); four white flashes every 15 s. 16 m (52 ft) round stone block tower with lantern and gallery. Tower unpainted, lantern and gallery painted red; the name Granville is painted on the side of the tower in white. 2-story stone keeper's house. There is a modern signal station just below the lighthouse. Cédric Lemancel's 2022 photo is at right, Aimee Cardwell has a photo, Trabas has a 2022 closeup by Capt. Peter, Marinas.com has aerial photos, and Google has a 2024 street view and a satellite view. This lighthouse, painted with camouflage patterns, survived World War II without damage. Located atop a rocky promontory called the Roc du Granville, marking the entrance to Granville harbor. Site open, tower closed; there's also a good view from ferries arriving from Jersey. . ARLHS FRA-126; FR-517000; Admiralty A1660; NGA 8036.
 

Cap Lihou Light, Granville, May 2022
Instagram photo by Cédric Lemancel

Îles Chausey Lighthouses
The Îles Chausey are a small group of islands in the middle of the entrance to the Baie du Mont St.-Michel, about 20 km (13 mi) west northwest of Granville and a similar distance north of Cancale Port-Mer. The islands are part of the Granville Commune.

*
Îles Chausey
1847 (rebuilt and reactivated 1950). Active; focal plane 39 m (128 ft); white flash every 5 s. 19 m (62 ft) square cylindrical stone tower with lantern and gallery, rising from a 2-story stone keeper's house. A 2024 photo is at right, Wikimedia has a photo by Alain Auzas, Dr. Karl Agre has a photo, François Levalet has an aerial photo, Trabas has Werner Seiler's 2010 photo, Wikimedia has several views of the lighthouse, Huelse has a historic postcard view, and Google has a satellite view. The lighthouse was heavily damaged during World War II and needed extensive reconstruction following the war. The light is automated but is staffed as a control center for navigation in the bay. Located at the highest point of Grand Île Chausey, which is accessible by ferry from St.-Malo or Granville. Site open, tower closed. . ARLHS FRA-005; FR-515000; Admiralty A1654; NGA 8020.
La Crabière Est
Date unknown. Active; focal plane about 11 m (36 ft); white, red or green light depending on direction, occulting three times every 12 s. 11 m (36 ft) square pyramidal skeletal tower painted black with a yellow top. Trabas has Werner Seiler's photo and Google has a distant satellite view. The light guides small vessels in a rocky passasge. Located on rocks off the east end of the Îles Chausey. Accessible only by boat. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-717; Admiralty A1655; NGA 8024.
Le Pignon
Date unknown. Inactive since 2022. 20 m (66 ft) round stone tower painted with black and white horizontal bands. Endangered. A photo and a painting are available but the light is only a fuzzy spot in Bing's satellite view. This light marks the eastern edge of the shallows and reefs surrounding the Îles Chausey. Storms in recent years caused a break in the tower, leaving the upper half with a lean seen in Simon Millet's 2023 view; as of 2020 the recommended plan was to remove and replace the upper section. But the light apparently has been abandoned; it was dropped by the Admiralty in October 2022. Note that there is another Pignon lighthouse near Penerf in Morbihan. Located about 10 km (6 mi) east of the islands. Accessible only by boat. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-116; ex-Admiralty A1656; NGA 8028.


Îles Chausey Light, Granville, October 2024
ex-Instagram photo by La Maison Folia


Regnéville and Gouville-sur-Mer Lighthouses
Le Ronquet
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 11 m (36 ft); two flashes every 6 s, white or red depending on direction. 11 m (36 ft) round stone beacon, painted with black and red horizontal bands. Yann Renouf has a closeup photo, Trabas has Capt. Peter's distant view and Bing has a satellite view. Located on a reef about 4 km (2.5 mi) west of Pointe d'Agon. Accessible only by boat. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-823; Admiralty A1649; NGA 8054.
* Regnéville-sur-Mer
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 12 m (39 ft); white or red light, depending on direction, occulting twice every 6 s. The light is mounted on a chimney at one end of a 1-story stone building, perhaps the port captain's office. Trabas has Capt. Peter's closeup photo and Google has a 2024 street view and a satellite view. Located on the Rue du Port in Regnéville-sur-Mer. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-852; Admiralty A1651; NGA 8060.
* Pointe d'Agon (Regnéville)
1856 (heightened in late 1940s). Active; focal plane 12 m (39 ft); white light occulting twice every 6 s; red light is shown over a sector to the west to warn ships away from the rocks off the point. 12 m (40 ft) square cylindrical stone tower with lantern and gallery attached to the rear of a 1-story stone keeper's house. A 2024 closeup is at right, Jess Emma Amandine has a fine 2021 photo, Trabas has Capt. Peter's closeup 2022 photo, Guyomard and Carceller have a photo by Yves Bossuroy, Wikimedia has a photo and a second photo, Huelse has a historic photo, and Google has a 2019 street view and a satellite view. This light marks the north side of the entrance to the harbor of Regnéville-sur-Mer. The lighthouse was badly damaged during World War II; when it was repaired after the war the tower was raised in height from the original 7 m (23 ft). Accessible by road, the Charrière de la Chevrottière; parking is available 200 m (220 yd) away at the end of the road. Located at the end of a long point of land about 7 km (4 mi) south of Agon. Site open, tower closed. . ARLHS FRA-166; Admiralty A1650; NGA 8056.
Le Sénéquet
1861. Active; focal plane 18 m (59 ft); three white flashes every 12 s; red flashes are shown over a sector to the west to warn ships away from the rock. 18 m (59 ft) round stone tower with gallery. The upper 2/3 of the tower is painted white; the lower portion has a black band above unpainted very dark stone. Keepers tended this lighthouse until it was automated in 1938. The lantern and optical equipment were removed after being heavily damaged during World War II; a new lantern was added after the war but removed in 1981. The light is now shown from a short mast atop the tower. Trabas has Capt. Peter's 2022 photo (seen at right), another photo is available, and Bing has a satellite view. Huelse has a postcard view showing the tower's original appearance. Located on a rock about 5 km (3 mi) west of Gouville-sur-Mer. Accessible only by boat. Site and tower closed. ARLHS FRA-035; FR-512000; Admiralty A1648; NGA 8064.

Portbail, Barneville-Carteret, and Flamanville Lighthouses
* Portbail Feu Postérieur (Église de Notre-Dame)
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 20 m (66 ft); white light, 3 s on, 1 s off. Light mounted in the stone tower of the Église de Notre-Dame, a Norman church whose foundations were laid in 1026, although most of the building dates from the 12th and 13th centuries. The light is displayed through a tiny rectangular window near the top of the tower. Trabas has Capt. Peter's closeup photo showing the light, Phillippe Boîte has posted an excellent photo of the church, and Google has a street view and a satellite view. At one time the tower was painted white as a daymark, as seen in the postcard posted by Huelse. No longer a church, the building is now used as the town meeting hall. The front light is on a small skeletal tower. Located on the waterfront in Portbail, about 10 km (6 mi) southeast of Barneville-Carteret. Site open, church open, tower status unknown. ARLHS FRA-763; Admiralty A1644.1; NGA 8072.
* Carteret (Cap de Carteret)
1830 (rebuilt in late 1940s). Active; focal plane 81 m (266 ft); three white flashes, in a 2+1 pattern, every 15 s. 18 m (59 ft) square cylindrical stone tower with lantern and gallery, rising from the front of a 1-story stone keeper's house. Tower is unpainted; lantern and gallery rail painted dark green. 2nd order Fresnel lens in use. Stefan Klaas's photo is at the top of this page, Trabas has Capt. Peter's closeup 2022 photo, Wikimedia has a photo also showing the nearby signal station, Frank Stoll has a 2022 photo, Huelse has a historic postcard view, Marinas.com has aerial photos, and Google has a street view and a satellite view. This historic lighthouse faces the British island of Jersey across a strait about 20 km (13 mi) wide. In 1870 the keeper's house was enlarged by constructing 1-story wings on both sides. German troops occupied the lighthouse in World War II, leading the Allies to destroy it in an air raid in late April 1944. It was rebuilt after the war using the original plans. The light was automated in 1976 but the building has remained in service as a regional control center for ship traffic and aids to navigation along the west side of the peninsula. Located on the cape, at the end of the Route du Sémaphore, about 2 km (1.2 mi) west of Carteret. Parking provided. There's also a good view from ferries between Carteret and the Channel Islands. Site open, tower closed. . ARLHS FRA-084; FR-507000; Admiralty A1638; NGA 8080.


Pointe d'Agon Light, Regnéville, September 2024
Instagram photo by Raimund


Le Sénéquet Light, Gouville-sur-Mer, July 2022
photo copyright Capt. Peter Mosselberger; used by permission

* Diélette (Digue Ouest, feu antérieur) (4)
1897 (station established 1858). Active; focal plane 12 m (39 ft); white, red, or green light depending on direction, 2 s on, 2 s off; for harbor entrance, there is also a green light flashing once every 4 s at a focal plane of 6 m (20 ft). 9 m (30 ft) round cylindrical masonry tower with lantern and gallery, painted white; lantern and gallery painted green. Carole Belloir Lsrvt's 2020 photo is at right, Trabas has Capt. Peter's 2022 photo, Gérard Poirier has posted a photo showing winter waves sweeping around the lighthouse, a 2007 photo (taken from a kite) is available, Huelse has a lovely postcard view, and Google has a 2025 street view and a satellite view. The lighthouse was the front light of a range until sometime in the late 1990s. The original light was replaced by cast iron towers in 1876 and again in 1896; a storm swept the latter light away after only four months of service. Located at the end of the west breakwater pier at Diélette on the west side of the Cotentin peninsula. Accessible by walking the breakwater; there is also a good view from ferries between Diélette and the Channel Islands. Site open, tower closed. . ARLHS FRA-261; Admiralty A1632; NGA 8092.
* Diélette Feu Postérieur (2)
1876 (station established 1858). Inactive since the late 1990s. 1-1/2 story keeper's house; the light was displayed through a window of the upper story. Google has a satellite view and a 2023 street view from below the house. The light was deactivated when the front light was converted to a sector light. Located on the slope of the hill behind the harbor, 466 m (1530 ft) from the front light. Site probably open. Owner: unknown. ARLHS FRA-820; ex-Admiralty A1632.1.
* [Diélette Digue Nord]
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 7 m (23 ft); red flash every 4 s. 5 m (18 ft) red post attached to a round cylindical white cabinet. Trabas has Capt. Peter's photo, a 2022 closeup is available, and Google has a 2025 street view and a satellite view. Located at the end of the north breakwater at Diélette. Accessible by walking the pier. Site open, tower closed. Admiralty A1632.2.

Digue Ouest Light, Diélette, October 2020
Instagram photo by Carole Belloir Lsrvt

Digulleville (Cap de la Hague) Lighthouses
Cap de la Hague (Goury)
1837 (Morice de la Rue). Active; focal plane 48 m (157 ft); white flash every 5 s. 51 m (167 ft) round granite tower with lantern and gallery, mounted on a 1-story cylindrical granite base. Fog horn (blast every 30 s). Tower unpainted, lantern dome painted white. A 2022 photo by Elie Combelles is at right, DIRM has a page for the lighthouse, Trabas has Capt. Peter's 2022 photo, James Stringer has a 2015 photo, Riccardo Andrian has a 2021 photo, Stéphane Dauguet has a nice 2007 photo, Huelse has a historic postcard view, Eric Mattmann has a street view from the mainland, and Google has a satellite view. The Cap de la Hague is the northwestern tip of the Cotentin peninsula, making this light a crucial point of reference for ships sailing eastward. The lighthouse also guards the Alderney Race (Raz Blanchard), the 16 km (10 mi) wide channel between Cap de la Hague and Alderney, the northeasternmost of Britain's Channel Islands. The Race has some of the fastest and most dangerous tidal currents in the world. The lighthouse took three years to build. Fortunately it escaped major damage during World War II, and it was staffed until 1990. Two 2-story keeper's houses survive at Goury on the mainland; Google has a street view of one of them. Extensive repairs to the lantern were completed in late 2013; materials and workmen were ferried to the lighthouse by helicopter. Located on a small waveswept island, Gros-du-Raz, about 800 m (1/2 mi) west of the cape. Accessible only by boat in dangerous seas but there is a good view from the beach at the end of the road about 1.6 km (1 mi) west of Auderville. Site and tower closed. . ARLHS FRA-031; FR-504000; Admiralty A1512; NGA 8304.
La Plate
Date unknown (1950s or 1960s). Active; focal plane 11 m (36 ft); three flashes, in a 2+1 pattern, every 10 s; white flashes are shown to the south and red flashes to the north. 10 m (33 ft) octagonal cylindrical tower. No lantern; the light is shown from a short mast atop the tower. A watch room inside the top of the tower is accessed by an outside ladder. The tower is painted with a black horizontal band at the top and a yellow band below the black; the lower half of the tower is unpainted. Trabas has Thomas Philipp's closeup 2014 photo and Google has a satellite view and a distant 2025 street view. Note: there is another, better-known Feu de la Plate off the Pointe du Raz in Finistère. Located atop a waveswept rock 3 km (1.8 mi) northeast of the Cap de la Hague lighthouse. Accessible only by boat. Site and tower closed. Admiralty A1514; NGA 8312.
Omonville-la-Rogue
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 13 m (43 ft); white, red or green light depending on direction, 2 s on, 2 s off. 12 m (39 ft) mast mounted on a 1-story equipment shelter. Lighthouse painted white with a red top. Trabas has Capt. Peter's photo and Google has a satellite view. Located just off the beach on the south side of Omonville-la-Rogue, about 10 km (6 mi) east of Cap de la Hague. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-375; Admiralty A1508; NGA 8308.

Cap de la Hague Light, Auderville, December 2022
Instagram photo by Elie Combelles

Cherbourg Area Lighthouses
Cherbourg, now known officially as Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, is a historic seaport at the north end of the Cotentin Peninsula. Long a departure port for transatlantic liners, it continues as an important terminal for cross-Channel ferries. The modern harbor is protected by a series of outer breakwaters.

*
Dique Ouest (Dique de Querqueville)
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 8 m (26 ft); two green flashes every 6 s. 7 m (23 ft) square pierhead building topped by a light on a short green mast. Trabas has Capt. Peter's photo, a 2024 photo is available, Simon Banks has a street view, and Google has a satellite view. The Dique de Querqueville is the westernmost of a series of breakwaters protecting the harbor of Cherbourg. Completed in 1896 it is about 1 km (0.6 mi) long. Located at the east end of the breakwater. Accessible by walking the pier (a popular walk in good weather). Site open, tower closed. Admiralty A1482; NGA 8320.
Fort de l'Ouest
1840. Active; focal plane 19 m (62 ft); three flashes every 15 s, white or red depending on direction. 9 m (30 ft) round granite tower with lantern and gallery. Tower painted white; lantern painted red. Fresnel lens in use. Trabas has Capt. Peter's photo (also seen at right), French Wikipedia has an article with a photo, Richard Peters has a 2018 drone view, Huelse has a historic postcard view, and Google has a satellite view and a distant street view from shore. The lighthouse stands atop a nineteenth century circular stone fort. Located about 2.5 km (1.5 mi) northwest of the Cherbourg waterfront at the western end of the Digue Centrale, a detached breakwater. Accessible only by boat but there should be good views from ferries linking Cherbourg to Portsmouth, England, and Rosslare, Ireland. Site and tower closed. ARLHS FRA-046; FR-499000; Admiralty A1480; NGA 8332.
Jetée du Homet (Dique du Homet)
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 10 m (33 ft); quick-flashing green light. 9 m (30 ft) square pierhead building topped by a light on a short green mast. Trabas has Capt. Peter's photo and Google has a distant sea view, but the pier is fuzzed out in Google's satellite view. Located at the end of the west inner breakwater of Cherbourg harbor. Site and tower closed (restricted military area). ARLHS FRA-715; Admiralty A1486; NGA 8352.
* Gare Maritime (Fort du Homet feu postérieur) (2?)
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 35 m (115 ft); quick-flashing white light, visible only on the range line. 35 m (115 ft) square pyramidal skeletal tower atop a square cylindrical stone tower, one of the four towers of Cherbourg's historic Gare Maritime, where transatlantic and trans-Channel passengers transferred between ships and trains. The building is now occupied by the Cité de la Mer, an oceanographic institute and museum. Trabas has Capt. Peter's photo, Georges Enguehard has a photo (light on the left tower), G. Hine has a street view from a ship, and Google has a satellite view. The front light is mounted on a stone wall at the Fort du Hamet. Site open, tower closed. Admiralty A1484.1; NGA 8328.
[Fort Central (2)]
1952 (station established 1839). Active; focal plane 5 m (17 ft); six very quick white flashes followed by one long white flash every 10 s. 3 m (10 ft) post, upper half painted yellow and lower half black. The original light here was in a 16.5 m (54 ft) round stone tower with lantern and gallery. This lighthouse was deactivated in 1895; it is not known when it was destroyed. Trabas has Capt. Peter's closeup photo of the light, Richard Peters has a good view of the ruined fort, Sandra Tejnecká has a photo, and Google has a satellite view of the fort and a distant street view from shore. Located in front of a nineteenth century fort in the central section of the detached Digue Centrale. Accessible only by boat. Site and tower closed. ARLHS FRA-753; Admiralty A1478; NGA 8336.

Fort de l'Ouest Light, Cherbourg, July 2022
photo copyright Capt. Peter Mosselberger; used by permission
[Fort de l'Est (2?)]
Date unknown (station established 1910). Active; focal plane 19 m (62 ft); green light, 2 s on, 2 s off. 9 m (30 ft) pylon, lower portion painted white and upper portion green. Trabas has Capt. Peter's photo and Google has a distant street view from shore and a satellite view of the ruins. The previous light was a round cylindrical tank with the light mounted at the top. Located at the eastern end of the detached Digue Centrale. Accessible only by boat. Site and tower closed. ARLHS FRA-240; Admiralty A1476; NGA 8340.
Fort de l'Île Pelée (Dique Est) (3?)
Date unknown (station established 1900). Active; focal plane 19 m (62 ft); white or red light depending on direction, 1 s on, 1 s off, 3 s on, 1 s off. 8 m (26 ft) square pierhead building topped by a light on a short red mast. Trabas has Capt. Peter's photo and Google has a distant satellite view. Located atop a fort at the western end of eastern outer breakwater of Cherbourg. Site status unknown. ARLHS FRA-818; Admiralty A1470; NGA 8344.
* Le Becquet Feu Antérieur
Date unknown (station established 1862). Active; focal plane 8 m (26 ft); white light, occulting three times, in a 2+1 pattern, every 12 s, intensified on the range line and synchronized with the rear light. 6 m (20 ft) octagonal cylindrical concrete tower with gallery, attached to 1-story concrete equipment room. Trabas has Capt. Peter's closeup 2022 photo and Google has a 2025 street view and a satellite view. Located on the waterfront in Le Becquet de Tourlaville, about 5 km (3 mi) east of the Cherbourg waterfront. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-191; Admiralty A1466; NGA 8404.
* Le Becquet Feu Postérieur
Date unknown (station established 1862). Active; focal plane 12 m (39 ft); red light, occulting three times, in a 2+1 pattern, every 12 s, intensified on the range line and synchronized with the front light. 10 m (33 ft) octagonal cylindrical concrete tower with gallery, attached to 1-story concrete equipment room. Trabas has Capt. Peter's 2022 photo and Google has a 2025 street view and a satellite view. Located on the waterfront in Le Becquet de Tourlaville, about 5 km (3 mi) east of the Cherbourg waterfront. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-192; Admiralty A1466.1; NGA 8408.

Fermanville and Gatteville-le-Phare Lighthouses
* Cap Lévi (Cap Levy) (2)
1948 (station established 1858). Active; focal plane 38 m (118 ft); red flash every 5 s. 27 m (89 ft) 4-sided granite block tower with lantern and gallery, the sides being incurved (concave). Tower unpainted, lantern painted white. Madonna Jackson's 2022 photo is at right, Trabas has Peter Doll's 2021 closeup, a good 2008 photo is available, Arno Siering conrtibuted a good photo, Marinas.com has aerial photos, and Google has a street view and a satellite view. Huelse has a historic postcard view of the original lighthouse, a square granite tower that was blown up by Germn troops during the fighting for Cherbourg shortly after D-Day. The unusual design of the new lighthouse is by the architects Levavasseur et Chauliat. Located on a headland jutting into the Manche about 20 km (13 mi) northeast of Cherbourg and 2.5 km (1.5 mi) northwest of the village of Fermanville. Accessible by road; parking available nearby at the end of the road. Site open, tower closed. . ARLHS FRA-080; FR-473000; Admiralty A1462; NGA 8416.

Cap Lévi Light, Fermanville, November 2022
Instagram photo by Madonna Jackson
* Pointe de Barfleur (Gatteville) (1)
1775. Inactive since 1835. 25 m (82 ft) round granite tower rising from the center of 1-story keeper's house; lantern removed. Nils Hedenstierna has a good 2021 photo, Stéphane Paye has a 2023 photo, Iain Gilligan has the view from the top of the taller tower, and Huelse has a historic postcard view. The Pointe de Barfleur is the northeastern tip of the Cotentin peninsula. The peninsula projects far out into the Manche (English Channel), so this cape is an infamous hazard to navigation for ships westbound for the Atlantic. King Louis XV ordered the construction of this lighthouse shortly before his death in 1774. Today it is dwarfed by the great tower of 1835 built just behind it. ARLHS FRA-299.
**** Gatteville (Pointe de Barfleur) (2)
1835 (Morice de la Rue) (station established 1775). Active; focal plane 72 m (236 ft); two white flashes, separated by the 2.4 s, every 10 s. 75 m (247 ft) round granite tower with lantern and gallery, attached to a 2-story keeper's complex which forms a U-shape around the base of the tower. Lighthouse is unpainted brownish-gray stone; lantern painted black. A 2022 photo is at right, Detienne has a page for the lighthouse, DIRM also has a page for the lighthouse, Trabas has a 2022 photo by Capt. Peter, Cyrille Gilbert has a 2022 photo, Marinas.com has aerial photos, and Google has a 2023 street view and a satellite view. This is certainly one of the best-known French lighthouses and indeed one of the world's great lights. It is the third tallest stone lighthouse in the world (after the 82.5 m Île Vierge lighthouse and the 77 m Lanterna di Genova). The lighthouse was called the Phare de Barfleur until 1891, when the name was changed to Phare de Gatteville. In 1944 German troops were sent to destroy the lighthouse, but keeper Georges Cosron persuaded them to spare it. It was liberated without major damage and quickly returned to operation, one of the first lighthouses of Western Europe to be relit. The 1903 Fresnel lens, stored for safekeeping during the war, was reinstalled and remains in use. Automated in 1984, it remained open to the public until 1996, when it was closed for renovation. It reopened on 5 July 1997 as a lighthouse museum. Over 35,000 visitors per year climb the 365 steps to the gallery. Accessible by road; limited parking provided. Located 2 km (1.2 mi) north of Barfleur, close to the village of Gatteville-le-Phare. Site open, tower and museum open daily February through mid November and during the Christmas season. Site manager: Le Phare de Gatteville . ARLHS FRA-300; FR-467000; Admiralty A1454; NGA 8428.

Gatteville Light, Gatteville-le-Phare, September 2022
Google Maps photo by Françoise (Fanfan)

Barfleur Lighthouses
Barfleur is a traditional fishing port at the northeastern corner of the Cotentin peninsula. During the early Middle Ages it was an important port trading with England.

*
Barfleur Postérieur (2)
1844 (station established 1832). Active; focal plane 13 m (43 ft); white light, occulting three times every 12 s, synchronized with the front light. 13 m (43 ft) square cylindrical stone tower with lantern and gallery, attached to the rear of a 2-story stone keeper's house. Front face of house and tower painted white; lantern and gallery painted dark green. Trabas has Capt. Peter's 2022 closeup (also seen at the top of this page), a 2022 photo is available, Huelse has a historic postcard view, and Google has a 2023 street view and a satellite view. Located on the Rue Pierre Salley at the extreme south end of Barfleur harbor. On-street parking. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-815; Admiralty A1444.1; NGA 8436.
* Barfleur Antérieur (2)
1844 (station established 1832). Active; focal plane 7 m (23 ft); white light, occulting three times every 12 s, synchronized with the rear light. 7 m (23 ft) square cylindrical stone tower with lantern and gallery. Entire lighthouse painted white. Trabas has Capt. Peter's photo, a 2022 photo is available, C. Klopfer has a 2024 drone view, Huelse has a historic postcard view, Valentin Desprez has a street view, and Google has a satellite view. Located on the south side of the harbor in Barfleur. Accessible by a short walk. Site open, tower closed. . ARLHS FRA-545; Admiralty A1444; NGA 8432.
* Barfleur Jetée de l'Est
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 5 m (17 ft); red light, 3 s on, 1 s off. 4 m (13 ft) octagonal masonry equipment room; the light is displayed from a short post at the peak of the pyramidal roof. Lighthouse painted white, roof and post red. Trabas has Capt. Peter's closeup photo, Emidio di Gaspare has a street view, and Google has a satellite view. Located at the end of the east jetty, the main breakwater of Barfleur. Accessible by walking the pier. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-690; Admiralty A1448; NGA 8440.

Réville, St.-Vaast-la-Hougue, and Morsalines Lighthouses
* Pointe de Saire (Réville)
1836. Active; focal plane 11 m (36 ft); white light, occulting three times, in a 2+1 pattern, every 10 s. 10 m (33 ft) square cylindrical stone tower with lantern and gallery, rising from the center of a 1-story stone keeper's house. House unpainted, tower painted white, lantern and gallery green. Trabas has Capt. Peter's 2022 photo (also seen at right), Wikimedia has a nice 2007 photo, and Google has a 2023 street view and a satellite view. The house appears to be a private residence. Located on the Pointe de Saire about 3 km (2 mi) east southeast of Réville. Accessible by road; parking available. Site and tower closed, but the light can be seen from outside the stone wall surrounding the station. ARLHS FRA-761; Admiralty A1442; NGA 8448.

Pointe de Saire Light, Réville, July 2022
photo copyright Capt. Peter Mosselberger; used by permission
* St.-Vaast-la-Hougue (2)
1865 (station established 1850). Active; focal plane 12 m (39 ft); white, red, or green light, depending on direction, occulting twice every 6 s. 11 m (36 ft) octagonal cylindrical cast iron tower with lantern and gallery. Fog siren (one long and one short blast every 30 s). Tower painted white, lantern and gallery red. Aydemphia Lewis has a 2017 street view, Benh Lieu Song has a nice photo, Trabas has Capt. Peter's photo, Ben Vaude has a 2022 closeup, Guyomard and Carceller have photos, Huelse has a historic postcard view, and Google has a satellite view. This is one of many cast iron tourelles prefabricated by the firm of Sautter et Lemonnier. Apparently this is the oldest survivor of its class, since the first one built, for Calais Jetée de l'Est, was swept away by a storm. Located on the end of the jetty of the new harbor of St.-Vaast-la-Hougue, on the east side of town facing l'Île de Tatihou. Accessible by walking the jetty. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS FRA-151; Admiralty A1434; NGA 8460.
Morsalines (La Hougue Feu Postérieur) (4)
1955 (station established 1836). Active; focal plane 90 m (295 ft); white, red, or green light, depending on direction, occulting four times every 12 s. 13 m (43 ft) octagonal concrete tower with an off-center lantern and gallery. Tower painted white, lantern dark green. Trabas has Capt. Peter's photo (also seen at right) and Google has a satellite view. This range guides ships entering the protected old harbor of St.-Vaast-la-Hougue, on the east side of the Cotentin peninsula.The front light is on a square post at the shore, 3.3 km (2 mi) to the east. The original lighthouse was replaced by an 18 m (58 ft) tower in 1938; that lighthouse was destroyed in the fighting shortly after D-Day. A temporary light served until the present tower was built. This light is adjacent to a private residence, and there does not appear to be a nearby location from which it can be viewed. Located atop a high hill south of Morsalines. Site and tower closed. ARLHS FRA-365; Admiralty A1428.1; NGA 8468.

Saint-Marcouf and Brévands Lighthouses
Îles Saint-Marcouf (Île du Large) (2)
1948 (station established 1840). Active; focal plane 18 m (59 ft); three very quick white flashes every 5 s. Approx. 7 m (23 ft) square cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery mounted atop a circular stone fort. Tower is unpainted, lantern painted dark green. Charles Ngando Black has a 2021 photo, Trabas has Capt. Peter's distant view, and Google has an indistinct satellite view. Huelse has a historic postcard view of the original lighthouse. The Îles Saint-Marcouf are two small islands in the Baie de la Seine about 10 km (6 mi) off Ravenoville Plage. The larger island (Île du Large) is almost completely covered by a historic fort. On D-Day in 1944 U.S. forces landed on the island unopposed before dawn; they were actually the first Alled troops to step on French soil. They found the island heavily mined and the 1840 lighthouse had been destroyed. Accessible only by boat. Site and tower closed. ARLHS FRA-055; Admiralty A1424; NGA 8472.

Morsalines Light, Morsalines, July 2022
photo copyright Capt. Peter Mosselberger; used by permission

Information available on lost lighthouses:

Notable faux lighthouses:

Adjoining pages: East: Calvados | South: Ille-et-Vilaine| West: Guernsey, Jersey

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Posted July 6, 2006. Checked and revised February 7, 2026. Lighthouses: 36. Site copyright 2026 Russ Rowlett and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.