Skip to Content

Espiguette lighthouse

Adress : Phare de L'Espiguette - 30240 Le Grau-du-Roi

Lost in the heart of the wind-beaten dunes and facing the immensity of the sea, the Espiguette lighthouse has stood proudly for almost 150 years, dominating the peaceful expanse of sand and vigilantly watching over the coastal waters.

Located in the commune of Grau du Roi, in the heart of a remarkable, unspoilt natural environment, the Espiguette lighthouse embodies the wealth of the exceptional natural heritage of the eponymous headland. It blends harmoniously into the dune landscape characteristic of the Gard coastline, stoically resisting the perpetual assaults of the natural elements.

Recognizable by its square silhouette and dark color, the Espiguette lighthouse has been fulfilling its noble mission of illuminating and guiding sailors for over a century and a half. With its impressive range of 24 nautical miles, or around 45 kilometers, and its rotating light emitting three white flashes grouped together every 15 seconds, it ensures the safety of maritime navigation in the region.

Now under the responsibility of the Conservatoire du Littoral, the Espiguette lighthouse was modernized in 1980 with the installation of a Fresnel lens, and will celebrate 200 years of this emblematic technology in 2023. Although its keepers have deserted its walls, the lighthouse remains a monument steeped in history, listed as a historical monument since 2012.

Nestled in the heart of the Pointe de l'Espiguette, classified as a Natural Site and Grand Site de France, this marvel of maritime architecture offers visitors a unique, unspoilt experience. However, due to its location in a protected area, a visit to the Espiguette lighthouse requires prior online booking, thus contributing to its preservation and conservation for future generations. Website

Find out more...

Book your car to go and see it !

🧐
Here are a few little-known facts and legends associated with the Espiguette lighthouse:
The lighthouse keepers: Before it was automated in 1980, the Espiguette lighthouse was inhabited by keepers whose job it was to watch over the light and ensure the smooth running of the building. Their isolated life atop the lighthouse, exposed to the raging elements, was often the source of fascinating anecdotes and tales.
Shipwrecks: The area around the Espiguette lighthouse is renowned for its many shipwrecks over the centuries. Some say that the souls of sailors lost at sea still wander around the lighthouse, adding an aura of mystery and tragedy to the building.​
Meteorological phenomena: Due to its location exposed to the winds and elements, the Espiguette lighthouse often witnesses spectacular meteorological phenomena, such as violent storms or thick fog. These extreme conditions add to the lighthouse's impressive character and its importance for maritime navigation.
Hidden treasures: Like many coastal lighthouses, the Espiguette lighthouse is the subject of legends about hidden treasures in the surrounding area. Some claim that pirates hid their riches in the nearby dunes, giving rise to endless research and speculation.
Strange apparitions: Visitors have reported observing paranormal phenomena around the Espiguette lighthouse, including strange lights and moving shadows. These testimonies fuel local legends about the presence of supernatural forces in the area.






The Duchy of Uzès
Adress : Le Duché Place du Duché - 30700 Uzès