Contis Lighthouse

Constructed in 1863, this cylindrical masonry tower stands 42 meters tall and features a distinctive black and white spiral daymark, a feature suggested in 1937. The lighthouse's lantern and upper structure were damaged during World War II. Its light, visible for 18.7 nautical miles, emits four white flashes every 25 seconds. Located at Contis-Plage, it guides mariners through a 27.1 kilometer stretch of coast between Capbreton and the Bassin d'Arcachon, an otherwise dark section. The tower is open to the public.

Why it matters: This lighthouse marks the center of a dark section of the coast between the Bassin d'Arcachon and Biarritz, a location critical for safe passage in the Bay of Biscay. Its unique spiral daymark also makes it architecturally notable among French lighthouses.