The Cap Ferret Lighthouse
Categorized in South West
During our journey in the southwest of France, we planned to stroll around Cap Ferret, and the lighthouse seemed like a perfect starting point.
Height of the Cap Ferret Lighthouse
The Cap Ferret lighthouse is known by all the locals. Impossible to miss with its 52 meters in height and its white/red colors, it's visible for kilometers around.
How many steps in the Cap Ferret Lighthouse?
For the bravest, it's possible to climb its 258 steps, and the view up there must be superb. Imagine a 360° view with the Atlantic Ocean on one side, the Arcachon Bay on the other, the Bird Island, and towards the south, the tip of Cap Ferret. In short, from the top of the Cap Ferret lighthouse, you'll have a panoramic view.
Unfortunately for us, it was Monday and on that day, the lighthouse was closed to the public. We couldn't get close to the foot of the lighthouse.
We had the drone, and we managed to take aerial photos of this majestic structure.
The Cap Ferret Blockhouse
Know that a blockhouse in the lighthouse garden, dating back to the Second World War, is open for visits.
Exhibitions about maritime navigation
In addition to the lighthouse and its panoramic view, the place also offers exhibitions to educate you on various topics related to the sea. One of the exhibitions focuses on cartography, its evolution over the centuries, and navigation tools. There is, of course, an exhibition that traces the life of the Cap Ferret lighthouse, including photos of the first building before it was demolished by the Germans in 1944, then rebuilt a few years later.
The Plage du Centre Beach
Not far from the Cap Ferret lighthouse is the Plage du Centre Beach, a beautiful stretch of fine sand where you'll find some bars, restaurants, and water activities like paddle rental. The Place du Centre Beach is a perfect place for a moment with friends or family in the typical atmosphere of Cap Ferret, in the great outdoors under the maritime pines.
Our opinion on this place
If you want to visit the lighthouse and climb its steps to reach the top, check the opening days on the official website: https://phareducapferret.com/
We really enjoyed the surroundings of the lighthouse, the walk along the beach on the coastal path with the view of the Arcachon Bay, the Dune du Pilat, and the superb houses in the pine forest.
Also, the Plage du Centre Beach is a truly pleasant place to have a drink in the sun and enjoy this very natural spot.
