Visit of the Cap Ferret Lighthouse

An essential part of your camping stay at Cap Ferret in Gironde, a visit to the Cap Ferret lighthouse will reveal a monument combining classicism and modernity. The lighthouse can be seen from afar with its red end and its imposing and slender silhouette. The Cap Ferret lighthouse, which has had no keepers since its automation in 1995, has 258 steps and is 57 m high. Climb to the top to take in the spectacular view of the peninsula.

A little history before reaching the top

The current lighthouse dates from 1945, the first, built in 1840, having been destroyed by the German army. The ruins of a period bunker remain on the site. Before reaching the top, discover at the foot of the lighthouse, 2 wall mosaics face to face, representing the map of the Bassin d’Arcachon for the first and that of Cap Ferret for the second, which automatically announce where the lighthouse is located. rooted. Bronze and plaster busts of Augustin Fresnel who invented the lens, and of Charles-François Beautemps-Beauprès, hydrograph engineer and former director of the lighthouses and beacons service. This service, founded in 1806, was used to maintain the navigation aid systems located along the French coasts of the metropolis and overseas which warned of dangers and indicated maritime routes and access routes to ports.

The top of the lighthouse provides a magical 360 ° view of the surroundings: Bird Island, the Mimbeau conch, the Dune du Pilat, the ocean as far as the eye can see … An exceptional panorama is revealed to you. Also discover benchmarks helping to understand classified sites from sight.

Climbing to the top of the lighthouse is one thing, but also visit the interior of the monument, which holds its treasures.

Discover the Cap Ferret lighthouse in a fun way

The navigation room offers a fun and interactive way to navigate the waters of the Arcachon Basin, with apps and tablet quizzes, ideal for explaining things to children and adolescents. The map room presents an exhibition on marine cartographic developments and navigation instruments. Old maps can be consulted, true vestiges of a fascinating history of the evolution of the Arcachon Basin since the 17th century. Interactive nautical charts, display of a 3D optical device from the lighthouse, apprentice scientists will love. The hydrographic level: learn about the sounding procedures that are used to measure the underwater relief and how the charts of the Hydrographic and Oceanic Service of the Navy (SHOM) are designed.

Evenings are organized in the lighthouse and outdoor shows are presented to you.

Useful information

Tours end 30 minutes before the lighthouse closes. Please note that holiday vouchers are not allowed and that entry is prohibited for our animal friends.

Hours :

• July-August: open daily from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• April, May, June and September: open daily from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6.30 p.m.
• off season: Wednesday to Sunday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Prices :

• from 13 years old: € 6;
• from 4 to 12 years old: € 4;
• groups (from 20 people): on request (+33 (0) 5 56 03 94 42).