The original lighthouse, constructed in 1840, was blown up by retreating German forces in 1944.
The current lighthouse tower is built entirely from reinforced concrete.
The light is visible from a distance of up to 25 nautical miles in clear weather.
The lighthouse contains a map room featuring a large relief model of the Bassin d'Arcachon.
The interior spiral staircase is original to the 1947 construction, though the lighting and display systems have been modernized.
The lighthouse is located on the eastern tip of the Cap Ferret peninsula, separating the bay from the open ocean.
Le Phare du Cap Ferret is an active 52-meter tall lighthouse located on the Bassin d'Arcachon peninsula. Built in 1947 to replace a previous structure destroyed during World War II, it features a characteristic white tower with a red-painted lantern gallery. Visitors access the lantern room via a spiral staircase consisting of 258 steps. The base of the lighthouse houses a museum detailing the history of maritime navigation and the local topography of the bay. The viewing gallery provides a 360-degree panorama of the Atlantic Ocean, the Dune du Pilat, and the Arguin sandbank. The current optics system uses a powerful rotating light beam to guide vessels entering the basin. The site integrates an interactive exhibition space showcasing historical navigational instruments and cartographic tools. It serves as a navigational aid while functioning as a cultural site for the Lège-Cap-Ferret community.
The external gallery at the top, capturing the wide-angle view of the Bassin d'Arcachon and the Dune du Pilat across the water.
Wear sensible, flat-soled shoes to comfortably navigate the 258-step spiral staircase.
Visit the map room before climbing to better identify the surrounding sandbanks and tidal channels visible from the top.
Check local wind forecasts, as the top gallery can be significantly breezier than the ground level.
Attempting the climb without water or during periods of extreme high heat, as the staircase can be physically demanding.
Open daily, though hours are extended during the summer season and reduced during winter months.
