Standing proudly above Platin beach in Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, the Terre Nègre lighthouse has been an infallible guide for navigators for more than two centuries. We set off to discover the Terre Nègre lighthouse.
The history of the Negro land lighthouse
In 1772, a 25 meter high turret stood Saint-palais-sur-mer. It improves navigation in the mouth of the estuary, thus meeting the demand of sailors and pilots from the Gironde. Located high up, it marks the edge of the coastal path between Platin beach and Concié beach, with no light point.
To improve navigation safety, a lantern was installed at the top of the “Terre Nègre” tower in 1838. Four years later, a permanent light replaced it, installed in an octagonal cabin which can still be observed.
In 1899, a flashing light with colored sectors (white, red and green) fitted the lighthouse. Then, in 1939, it was electrified.
This cylindrical-shaped lighthouse is made of cut stone from the quarries of Saint-Palais-sur-Mer. It has a spiral staircase of 143 steps which provides access to the passageway surrounding the octagonal cabin. It is recognized by the upper half of its tower painted red. In addition, there is a former caretaker's accommodation at its base.
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