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Pointe de Barfleur Lighthouse

🇫🇷Gatteville-le-Phare, FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Pointe de Barfleur Lighthouse

Also known as: Pointe de Barfleur (Gatteville)

This cylindrical granite lighthouse was built in 1775. The original tower rises 25 meters from the center of a 1-story keeper's house. Its active service ended in 1835, and the lantern has since been removed. The lighthouse was ordered by King Louis XV in 1774. It is located on the northeastern tip of the Cotentin peninsula, which extends into the English Channel.

Why it matters: The lighthouse marks the northeastern tip of the Cotentin peninsula, a hazard for westbound vessels in the English Channel. Its construction was commissioned by King Louis XV.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
25m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Material
granite

Structure: round granite tower rising from the center of 1-story keeper's house; lantern removed

Location

City
Gatteville-le-Phare
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Normandy
Sea Region
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.
Latitude
49.6965°
Longitude
-1.2659°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Construction & History

Year Built
1775

Significant events: Ordered by King Louis XV in 1774, Inactive since 1835

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Barfleur(1.5 km)
ARLHS No.
FRA-299
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which ports and harbors does Pointe de Barfleur Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Pointe de Barfleur Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Gatteville-le-Phare at 1 NM to the SW. Other ports served include BARFLEUR (1.5 NM S), ST VAAST LA HOUGUE (6.5 NM S), Fermanville (7.2 NM W), Tourlaville (12.3 NM WSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Pointe de Barfleur Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Pointe de Barfleur Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
What shipping routes pass near Pointe de Barfleur Lighthouse?+
Pointe de Barfleur Lighthouse is located within the English Channel / North Sea corridor — one of the world's busiest maritime corridors connecting the Atlantic to Northern European ports. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Pointe de Barfleur Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Pointe de Barfleur Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.