Mont Saint-Michel Lighthouse
Location & Light Range
About Mont Saint-Michel Lighthouse
Also known as: Mont Saint-Michel (Tour Gabriel)
A cylindrical stone tower measuring 8 meters high, known as the Tour Gabriel, was constructed in 1881 on the west side of the Mont Saint-Michel abbey. This structure was built to guide small vessels toward the abbey, a task needed only when the surrounding area was submerged by high tide. The light operated during the brief periods when the bay allowed access. However, the service was discontinued in 1904 due to a lack of use by mariners. The tower remains a feature of the Mont Saint-Michel complex.
Why it matters: The Mont Saint-Michel light's purpose was tied to the specific tidal conditions of the bay, aiding local navigation to the abbey during high water periods.
Tower & Structure
- Tower Height
- 8m
- Tower Shape
- cylindrical
- Material
- stone
Structure: round cylindrical stone tower with a conical roof, known as the Tour Gabriel (Gabriel Tower)
Location
- City
- Le Mont-Saint-Michel
- Country
- 🇫🇷France
- Region
- Normandy
- Sea Region
- southeastern corner of the Baie du Mont Saint-Michel at the base of the Cotentin peninsula, on the west side of the island abbey, about 5 km north of Beauvoir. The abbey is surrounded by a large area that is covered with water at high tide but dry at low tide.
- Latitude
- 48.6356°
- Longitude
- -1.5128°
Nearby Vessels
Construction & History
- Year Built
- 1881
Significant events: Inactive since 1904, discontinued due to lack of use
References & Identifiers
- Nearest Port
- Granville(12.2 km)
- ARLHS No.
- FRA-760
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