On the tip of Barfleur, we discover this immense lighthouse as well as a semaphore, located a little further away. The two structures do not have the same functions, but are complementary.

While one reports, the other informs. The lighthouse has a powerful light at its top which is used to guide ships at night. The semaphore is a kind of optical telegraph which is used to communicate the positions of the different boats coming from the open sea. It provides them with various indications which prove extremely useful to sailors.

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Dieter

May 20, 2025

Hiking

The original lighthouse was built in 1775 to protect the dangerous waters around Pointe de Barfleur, which were known for numerous shipping disasters, including the sinking of the "White Ship" in 1120. Since the first tower did not meet the requirements of the 1825 national coastal lighting program, construction began on a new, larger tower in 1829. Completed in 1835 under the direction of architect Charles-Félix Morice de la Rue, it replaced the old tower, which was then used as an optical telegraph.

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Willem VS

June 3, 2021

Cycling

This 75 m high lighthouse was built in the period 1829-1835 and is one of the tallest in France. It has a light range of 56 km. The radio beacon in the 18th century tower guides the ships to the port of Le Havre. The lighthouse has 365 steps, 52 windows and 12 floors: as many days, weeks and months as a year. The summit offers a wide panorama** over the entire east coast of the Cotentin peninsula.

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Best routes to Gatteville lighthouse

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1. Gatteville lighthouse – Barfleur Harbour loop from Barfleur

12.8km

00:44

40m

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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2. Anse du Brick – Barfleur Harbour loop from Gonneville

75.5km

04:35

570m

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

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3. Gatteville lighthouse – Barfleur Harbour loop from Barfleur

23.1km

01:25

110m

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Location: Gatteville-Le-Phare, Cherbourg, Manche, France

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Gatteville lighthouse

1. Gatteville lighthouse – Barfleur Harbour loop from Barfleur

2. Anse du Brick – Barfleur Harbour loop from Gonneville

3. Gatteville lighthouse – Barfleur Harbour loop from Barfleur

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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