The original 1894 lighthouse on this site was destroyed by German forces during their retreat in 1944.
The current tower utilizes a powerful rotating light mechanism that completes a full rotation every 20 seconds.
The structure is designed to withstand the extreme coastal winds and harsh marine environment of the Normandy cliffs.
It is part of a series of maritime signals that guide tankers toward the Antifer oil terminal, one of the largest in Europe.
The lighthouse is located on the edge of the Cap d'Antifer, which marks a significant geological transition in the Alabaster Coast cliffs.
The Phare d'Antifer is an active maritime lighthouse situated atop the chalk cliffs of the Pays de Caux in Normandy. Built between 1949 and 1951 to replace a pre-war structure destroyed during World War II, the current tower reaches a height of 38 meters. Its light, positioned at an altitude of 120 meters above sea level, is visible for approximately 25 nautical miles. The tower is constructed from reinforced concrete and features a distinctive cylindrical shape painted with black and white horizontal bands. It serves as a critical navigation point for vessels entering the port of Le Havre and navigating the English Channel. The surrounding cliffside area provides views of the Alabaster Coast and the industrial infrastructure of the Le Havre harbor. Access to the lighthouse grounds is limited as it remains an operational, automated facility owned by the French state.
The grassy path leading from the parking area toward the cliff edge offers an unobstructed view of the lighthouse against the sea.
Combine your visit with a hike along the GR21 coastal path to see the cliffs from multiple angles.
Bring windproof clothing regardless of the season, as the exposure at the cliff edge is significant.
Check local weather forecasts for fog, as the beacon's visibility is often obscured by sea mist.
Attempting to climb the cliff faces or venturing beyond safety barriers, as the limestone is unstable and prone to rockfalls.
The interior of the lighthouse is strictly closed to the public; only the exterior grounds are accessible.
Respect the perimeter fencing as the lighthouse is an active, automated industrial site; keep to marked trails to prevent cliff erosion.
