Le Phare du Cap-Ferret Museum

Lighthouse that ensures safe passage into Bay of Arcachon

featured in Sights & sites

Situated a little inland on the peninsula to protect the building from erosion, it was placed there to monitor and protect the numerous vessels entering the basin from the strong ocean currents.

With 258 steps to march up you may be out of breath but you will not be disappointed with the view! You will be looking over the oyster beds, Bird Island, the Great Dune of Pyla and the Atlantic ocean.

History

The first lighthouse of Cap Ferret was commissioned on 1st November, 1840. It was equipped with only one fixed white light. It was made electric in 1928. Built in stone, it stand to a height of 50 meters, with 275 interior steps and a light range of about 50 kilometres.

Monitoring and maintenance requires three guards and one alternate whose homes were located at the base of the lighthouse.

Towards the end of the Second World War, when the Allied forces landed and the German army retreated, the lighthouse was actually blown up by the Germans in August 1944 at night.

The current building was inaugurated on 7th August 1949.

Visitor comments

"The lighthouse is a wonderful beacon even in the daylight. A center point to get your bearings.It's a beautiful piece of architecture. Cap ferret is a beautiful spot a jewel to cherish. There are plenty of attractions and restaurants around, So Phare away for a value, class pleasure in eating. You can see it from the top! What can't you see from the top! The Arcachon Basin 360 degrees. It's a must for the photographer!" - Trip Advisor
"A very rewarding view after the steps ! It is the best scenery you can get to enjoy a bird's eye view of the Arcachon bay, the ocean and the peninsula. The souvenir boutique is great too." - Trip Advisor
"Huge climb but it worth it. Very nice old "phare" which is in the middle of the peninsula. So perfect place to have a bird's eye view" - Trip Advisor

When to come

July & August: open daily from 10:00 to 19:30
April, May, June and September: open daily from 10:00 to 12.30 and from 14:00 to 18:30
October to March: open Wednesday to Sunday from 14:00 to 17:00
Visits stop 30 minutes before the closure of the site.