Phare de Biarritz

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You will be rewarded with panoramic views of the Basque coast if you make the ascent up the 258 winding steps found inside the Phare de Biarritz.


THINGS TO DO AT PHARE DE BIARRITZ:

  • Learn about this building as a magnificent monument that honors the history of the city (and its future!): 

In 1825, the Lighthouse and Beacon Service Commission conceived the design for this maritime signaling facility, and construction began in 1830. The cape Hainsart, which separates the Basque country's rocky coastline from the Landes's sandy coastline, can be seen from the vantage point of this structure, which rises 73 meters and has 248 steps. 


  • Acquaint yourself with the innovative steps forward that were taken in the creation of this site, and educate yourself on their significance: 

The Fresnel lens was initially implemented for the first time in the building of the Biarritz windmill, which was also the first windmill of its kind in France. Augustin Fresnel developed this particular variety of lentille in 1823. It makes it possible to generate a more powerful light source and was named after him. Access to the location can be gained by engraving the 248 interior steps. The Phare's location, which is on a rock at the edge of a falaise and looks out over the Atlantic Ocean and, more specifically, the Cap Hainsart, is another notable aspect of the hotel. Therefore, because it has a range of approximately 50 kilometers, the phare in Biarritz is considered one of the most potent phares in Europe. 

In addition, the luminous intensity is exceptionally high, reaching up to one million candelas in some places. 


  • Enjoy the unique view of the coast, the ocean, and the mountains:

From Pointe Saint-Martin, the Phare of Biarritz has dominated the ocean and its vastness. From the top of the lighthouse, you can take in some of the city's most breathtaking views, as well as the sea and the mountains. 


  • Gain an understanding of the practical advantages: 

Even when the sun is up, you can see the glowing beam that the phare emits. As a consequence of this, it is an extremely useful instrument for navigating. Through the years, it has ensured many ships' complete safety of passage. 


  • It was here that events of significant political importance took place, and to accommodate these, special arrangements were made: 

Emmanuel Macron selected the Phare de Biarritz to play host to G7 members in 2019. On August 24, 2019, the heads of state from the G7 countries were welcomed to the location, which had been chosen at the 'last minute' by the President of the Republic. 

Consequently, Emmanuel Macron held a meeting at a table close to the Phare de Biarritz with Donald Trump, Angela Merkel, Boris Johnson, Justin Trudeau, Giuseppe Conte, Shinzo Abe, and Donald Tusk.  Undoubtedly, a Basque meal was the focus of this gathering of the head of state representatives. And if we may share a less amusing anecdote with you, the chefs working at the Élysée had decided to restrict their selection to bottles with a maximum price of 25 euros on this particular occasion. This was because they were trying to keep costs down. 


  • imageDuration Required
    1 hour

Address of Phare de Biarritz

Espl. Elisabeth II, 64200, Biarritz, France

Opening & Closing time of Phare de Biarritz

  • Monday
    Closed
  • Tuesday
    Closed
  • Wednesday
    Closed
  • Thursday
    Closed
  • Friday
    Closed
  • Saturday
    14:00-17:00
  • Sunday
    14:00-17:00

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