Gatteville Lighthouse - Image 1
1 / 10

Gatteville Lighthouse

4.7
·4k reviews·Gatteville-le-Phare, France

A towering 19th-century granite lighthouse with 365 steps offering stunning English Channel views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Clear weather mornings

Best visibility for views

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Gatteville Lighthouse - Image 1

Gatteville Lighthouse

Best Time

Clear weather mornings

Best visibility for views

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A towering 19th-century granite lighthouse with 365 steps offering stunning English Channel views.

4.7
(4k reviews)

"The sight you get at the top of the light tower is amazing. It wasn't as exhausting as I expected."

Vertical photo
TIP

💰 Affordable Admission

The €3 entrance fee is a bargain for the incredible views and experience. :euro:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be climbing 365 steps, so comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Summit View

The Summit View

Top of the lighthouse

Ascend 365 steps for astonishing, panoramic views of the English Channel.

Impressive Granite Structure

Impressive Granite Structure

Base of the lighthouse

Marvel at this 19th-century granite lighthouse, one of the tallest traditional lighthouses globally.

The 365 Steps

The 365 Steps

Interior staircase

A challenging but rewarding climb, with step counts marked to track your progress.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Climb for Incredible Views

Prepare for a climb of 365 steps to reach the summit of Gatteville Lighthouse. The modest €3 admission fee is well worth the breathtaking panoramic views of the English Channel. Check the weather beforehand for the best experience.

Parking and Access

Parking is available roadside near the lighthouse. While the main lighthouse is accessible with a small fee, note that a smaller lighthouse nearby is not open to the public. Plan your visit accordingly.

Best Times

When
Clear weather mornings
Why
Best visibility for views
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Sunlight for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Night Duty At Lighthouse (Part 2) 😨💀🗼 #lighthouse #scarystories #EvilWhispers #creatorsearchinsights #fyp
@evilwhispers_
310.1K likes • 5.2M views

💰 Affordable Admission

The €3 entrance fee is a bargain for the incredible views and experience. :euro:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be climbing 365 steps, so comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:

Light House Job😱 #lighthouse #job #uku
@worldview360.1
282.9K likes • 7.8M views
Gatteville le phare’s 2nd tallest lighthouse in EU 🗼🇪🇺 which has 12 floors, 52 windows, 365 steps representing the months, weeks, and days respectively!
mako_kuzii
14 likes • 193 views

🚶‍♀️ Track Your Progress

The steps are numbered, making it easier to gauge your ascent. :walking:

📸 Capture the Scenery

The views from the top are spectacular, so bring your camera! :camerawithflash:

People on the Peninsula Episode 1: The Keeper. A documentary about the keeper of the Gatteville Lighthouse, the third tallest lighthouse in the world. Produced, directed, shot and edited by our Fall 2023 Creative Semester gap year students. Visit the link in our profile to watch the entire film. #studentfilm #studentfilmmaker #filmprogram #filmstudent #studentdoc #studentdocumentary #documentu...
berridgeprograms
69 likes • 2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

💰 Affordable Admission

The €3 entrance fee is a bargain for the incredible views and experience. :euro:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be climbing 365 steps, so comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:

🚶‍♀️ Track Your Progress

The steps are numbered, making it easier to gauge your ascent. :walking:

📸 Capture the Scenery

The views from the top are spectacular, so bring your camera! :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Gatteville Lighthouse for its incredible value and breathtaking views, despite the significant climb. The modest €3 admission fee is seen as a bargain for the panoramic vistas of the English Channel. While some wished for more historical information, the sheer scale of the lighthouse and the rewarding ascent make it a highly recommended stop.

"€3 is reasonable for such a great view, even in poor weather. Would’ve liked more information about the lighthouse. Still cool to see! Not for the faint of heart"

Dorothy Goodwin

"This is really worth seeing. The entrance fee is well spent. The sight you get at the top of the light tower is amazing. It wasn't as exhausting as I expected it to be, and every now and then you see how many steps you have managed, written on the steps."

Samuel Roberts

"We just visited the outside of the lighthouse. This is one of the biggest lighthouses I have seen. There is an option to go inside and there is a small admission charge.

There is a smaller lighthouse at the back but this is not open to the public.

Parking available at the side of the road."

Angela Williams

What People Like

Incredible views
Affordable admission
Impressive structure

What People Dislike

Limited historical info

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Gatteville Lighthouse is accessible by car, with parking available along the roadside. It's a scenic drive along the coast. Reddit

Yes, roadside parking is available near the lighthouse. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The admission fee is a reasonable €3 per person to climb to the top. Reddit

Tickets are typically purchased on-site. It's advisable to check their official website or local tourist information for any booking requirements, especially during peak season.

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website or local tourist information for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.

No, the smaller lighthouse located behind the main one is not open to the public. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

There are exactly 365 steps to reach the observation deck at the top of the lighthouse. Reddit

While it's a climb of 365 steps, many visitors find it manageable, especially with the step counts marked along the way. It's not considered overly exhausting by most. Reddit

The view from the top is described as astonishing and amazing, offering panoramic sights of the English Channel. Reddit

Due to the 365 steps, climbing to the top is not suitable for individuals with significant mobility issues. However, the exterior can still be appreciated.

📸 📸 Photography

The summit offers incredible panoramic shots of the coastline and the English Channel. The exterior of the lighthouse itself is also a striking subject, especially from different angles.

Photography is generally allowed inside the lighthouse as you ascend, but always be mindful of other visitors and any posted restrictions.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Gatteville Lighthouse offers an adventurous outing for families. The climb of 365 steps can be a fun challenge for older children, with the numbered steps providing a game-like element. Reddit The amazing views from the top are sure to captivate young imaginations. Remember to bring snacks and water, and ensure children are supervised closely during the climb. The modest admission fee makes it an affordable family activity. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Gatteville Lighthouse is an excellent choice. The €3 admission fee is incredibly reasonable for the experience and the spectacular views offered. Reddit Parking is free along the roadside, further reducing costs. It’s a fantastic way to experience a significant landmark and enjoy breathtaking scenery without a hefty price tag. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Beacon of History

The Gatteville Lighthouse stands as a testament to 19th-century maritime engineering. Constructed from granite, it was built to guide ships safely through the treacherous waters of the English Channel. Its impressive height and robust construction have made it a significant landmark for over a century. Visitors often remark on its sheer scale, noting it as one of the largest lighthouses they've encountered. Reddit

The lighthouse's design is both functional and imposing. While the main structure is open to the public for a small fee, a smaller, adjacent lighthouse is not accessible, adding a touch of mystery to the site. The experience of climbing the lighthouse is often highlighted, with the 365 steps serving as a physical challenge and a marker of progress towards the spectacular views awaiting at the summit. Reddit

Beyond its architectural significance, Gatteville Lighthouse offers a tangible connection to maritime history. It represents a bygone era of seafaring and the vital role lighthouses played in navigation. The panoramic vistas from the top provide a unique perspective on the coastline and the vastness of the sea, making it a memorable stop for history enthusiasts and sightseers alike.

The Climb and the Reward

The ascent of Gatteville Lighthouse is a key part of the visitor experience. With 365 steps to conquer, it’s a physical challenge that many find rewarding. The steps are helpfully marked, allowing climbers to track their progress and providing a sense of accomplishment as they ascend. Reddit While it requires some effort, the climb is generally considered manageable, even for those who might initially feel apprehensive about heights or exertion. Reddit

Upon reaching the top, visitors are greeted with astonishing panoramic views of the English Channel and the surrounding coastline. This breathtaking vista is the ultimate reward for the climb, offering a unique perspective that is well worth the effort. Even in less-than-perfect weather, the sight is described as amazing, highlighting the enduring beauty of the landscape. Reddit

For photographers and sightseers, the observation deck provides an unparalleled opportunity to capture the grandeur of the maritime landscape. The combination of the historical structure and the expansive views makes the climb a truly memorable part of visiting Gatteville Lighthouse.

You may also like

1 of 2