Goury Lighthouse (Phare de Goury)
About Goury Lighthouse (Phare de Goury)
The Goury Lighthouse stands on a granite rock 800 meters offshore at the tip of Cap de la Hague in Cotentin. Built between 1834-1837 by engineer Morice de La Rue, this 48-meter tower warns ships of the Raz Blanchard, one of Europe's strongest tidal currents that can reach 12 knots. The lighthouse was electrified in 1971 and automated in 1989. Visitors can view it from the picturesque port of Goury but cannot enter the lighthouse itself. The adjacent SNSM lifeboat station, operational since 1870, has completed nearly 1,000 rescue missions. The site offers dramatic coastal scenery reminiscent of Ireland, particularly striking during storms when waves crash against the rocks.
Interesting Facts
The Goury Lighthouse was the first French lighthouse built on an offshore rock barely 10 meters in diameter. Engineer Morice de La Rue completed it one year ahead of schedule despite the challenging conditions, using granite from nearby Flamanville quarries.
In the year before the lighthouse was built, 27 ships sank in the Raz Blanchard waters. The current between Cap de la Hague and the island of Alderney creates water level variations of over 8 meters between tides.
The lighthouse keeper's quarters featured an innovative design where Morice de La Rue placed the staircase on the side rather than in the center, making each of the 9 levels an independent room with better living conditions. The last keepers departed in May 1990 when the lighthouse was fully automated.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Location & Practical Info
Address
Pointe de Goury, 50440 La Hague, Manche, France
Day Routes
Explore all day routesThese carefully curated day itineraries include this attraction and show you exactly how to plan your visit, including transport, timing, and what else to see nearby.
Want to visit this attraction? These routes show you how to get here and what to combine it with.
Multi-day Itineraries
View complete itinerariesPlanning a longer trip? These multi-day itineraries incorporate this attraction into complete travel experiences with accommodation, transport, and daily schedules.
This attraction is featured in comprehensive multi-day trips with full logistics included.
