Le Phare de Carteret implanté sur le Cap vous offre une vue imprenable sur les îles anglo-norman
1 / 10

Cape Carteret Lighthouse

4.6
·1k reviews·Barneville-Carteret, France

Iconic lighthouse offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Anglo-Norman islands, with fascinating local history and marine life exhibits.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Low tide

Explore rock pools

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Le Phare de Carteret implanté sur le Cap vous offre une vue imprenable sur les îles anglo-norman

Cape Carteret Lighthouse

Best Time

Low tide

Explore rock pools

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic lighthouse offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Anglo-Norman islands, with fascinating local history and marine life exhibits.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"Amazing views, beautiful beach, rock pools to explore. Steep walks!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Watch the car park!

The car park is small and has significant potholes. Drive carefully and consider parking elsewhere if concerned.

👟 Wear sturdy shoes

Paths can be steep and uneven. Good footwear is essential for exploring the beaches and rock pools.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lighthouse Views

Lighthouse Views

Exterior platform

Panoramic vistas of the Anglo-Norman islands and surrounding coastline. Absolutely breathtaking!

Coastal Paths & Rock Pools

Coastal Paths & Rock Pools

Base of the lighthouse

Explore scenic paths and discover fascinating rock pools at low tide. Great for nature lovers!

Marine Mammal & Seabird Displays

Marine Mammal & Seabird Displays

Inside the lighthouse museum

Discover local marine life and admire stunning seabird photographs. Educational and visually appealing.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Parking Potholes & Footwear

Be prepared for a small, pothole-ridden car park. Sturdy footwear is recommended for exploring the paths and rock pools, especially if you plan to descend to the beaches.

Museum & Views

The lighthouse itself contains a small museum with local history and marine mammal information. The exterior platform offers stunning panoramic views, accessible via 58 steps.

Best Times

When
Low tide
Why
Explore rock pools
Crowd
Low
When
Sunny afternoons
Why
Best views and photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Une région magnifique, idéale à faire en van ! ♥️ #ideesvoyage #vanlife #normandie #voyageenfrance
@noscurieuxvoyageurs
1.1K likes • 37K views

🚗 Watch the car park!

The car park is small and has significant potholes. Drive carefully and consider parking elsewhere if concerned.

👟 Wear sturdy shoes

Paths can be steep and uneven. Good footwear is essential for exploring the beaches and rock pools.

Toi aussi, tu valides le meilleur atout du Kissing Club ? #kissingclub #nightclub #fyp #pourtoi #barnevillecarteret
@maxime.audouard3
806 likes • 20.3K views
Beacon is my lighthouse boy! He is named after Beacon Island in Carteret County, NC, but also just that lighthouses are beacons, or guiding lights, for sailors at sea. ⛵️ • Did you know that if I got a female puppy I had planned to name her Hatteras after the Cape Hatteras lighthouse in the Outer Banks? It’s still on my list for a future dog, as well as Bodie after the Bodie Island lighthouse in N...
beacontheblacklab
647 likes • 3K views

📸 Capture the views

The panoramic views are spectacular. Bring your camera for stunning coastal and island vistas.

🕰️ Check tide times

Visiting at low tide reveals fascinating rock pools perfect for exploration.

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Watch the car park!

The car park is small and has significant potholes. Drive carefully and consider parking elsewhere if concerned.

👟 Wear sturdy shoes

Paths can be steep and uneven. Good footwear is essential for exploring the beaches and rock pools.

📸 Capture the views

The panoramic views are spectacular. Bring your camera for stunning coastal and island vistas.

🕰️ Check tide times

Visiting at low tide reveals fascinating rock pools perfect for exploration.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Cape Carteret Lighthouse for its stunning panoramic views and the opportunity to explore beautiful beaches and rock pools. The small museum inside offers interesting local history and marine mammal information. However, the car park is frequently criticized for its small size and poor condition, with many potholes.

"A beautiful spot, we spent a few hours here walking around and picnicking. The views from the lighthouse are amazing. We didn't go down to the beaches but they looked lovely. The only criticism is the size and state of the car park, it is quite small and full of massive potholes!"

Carol Nicholls

"The lighthouse houses a small museum and there was a display of photos and information about marine mammal sightings in the area. The view down to the beach was beautiful and inviting, and there were lots of paths for those with better footwear than ourselves."

felicity longshaw

"Amazing views, beautiful beach, rock pools to explore. Steep walks"

Stephanie Parker

What People Like

Amazing views
Beautiful beaches
Rock pools to explore

What People Dislike

Small, pothole-filled car park

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The lighthouse is accessible by car, with a dedicated parking area. Be aware that the car park is known for its potholes and can be small. Public transport options may be limited, so driving is often the most convenient method.

Yes, there is a car park, but it's described as small and in poor condition with significant potholes. Visitors are advised to drive cautiously.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Information regarding ticket purchases for the lighthouse itself is not explicitly detailed in the provided reviews. However, access to the exterior platform and surrounding areas appears to be generally available.

Specific opening hours for the lighthouse and its museum are not provided in the reviews. It's advisable to check local listings or inquire beforehand if you plan to visit the interior.

The reviews do not mention an entrance fee for the lighthouse. Access to the exterior platform and surrounding grounds seems to be free, though the museum inside might have a separate policy.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy amazing views from the lighthouse platform, explore beautiful beaches and rock pools, and visit a small museum inside the lighthouse with information on marine mammals and local history. There are also seabird photographs on display.

Yes, there are paths for walking, but reviewers suggest wearing better footwear as they can be steep and uneven. The views from these paths are beautiful.

The views from the lighthouse are described as amazing and beautiful, offering a panorama over the Anglo-Norman islands of Jersey and Guernsey.

Yes, the area features rock pools that are great to explore, especially during low tide.

The small museum inside the lighthouse displays photos and information about marine mammal sightings in the area, as well as information about this and other Cotentin lighthouses.

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior platform offers stunning panoramic views of the coastline and islands, making it ideal for landscape photography. The rock pools at low tide also provide unique photographic opportunities. Don't miss the seabird photographs displayed outside the lighthouse.

While not a primary birdwatching spot, there are terrific photographs of seabirds displayed outside the lighthouse, offering visual inspiration.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Cape Carteret Lighthouse offers a mix of adventure and learning for families. The rock pools are a major draw for children, providing hours of exploration and discovery at low tide. The lighthouse museum, with its displays on marine mammals and local history, can be engaging for curious young minds. Remember to pack sturdy shoes for everyone, as the paths can be steep and uneven, and the car park is known for its potholes, so supervise children closely when arriving and departing.

🚶‍♀️ Nature & Photography Enthusiasts

For those who love the outdoors and capturing stunning landscapes, Cape Carteret Lighthouse is a must-visit. The panoramic views from the lighthouse platform are exceptional, offering incredible photo opportunities of the coastline and islands. The surrounding beaches and rock pools provide diverse subjects for photography, especially during the golden hours. Don't forget to explore the paths, but ensure you have appropriate footwear for the terrain. The museum's focus on marine life and the seabird photos add an extra layer of interest.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Coastal Beauty

Cape Carteret Lighthouse is a gateway to stunning coastal scenery. Visitors can ascend the lighthouse for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Anglo-Norman islands, including Jersey and Guernsey. The journey to the exterior platform involves approximately 58 steps, rewarding climbers with expansive vistas. Beyond the lighthouse itself, the area boasts beautiful beaches and fascinating rock pools, particularly accessible and enjoyable during low tide. These natural formations offer a chance for discovery and are a hit with those who enjoy exploring marine life.

Navigating the terrain around the lighthouse requires some consideration. While there are numerous paths for walking, reviewers emphasize the need for sturdy footwear. The paths can be steep and uneven, making comfortable and supportive shoes essential for a safe and enjoyable exploration, especially if you plan to venture down to the beaches or scramble around the rock pools. The combination of elevated viewpoints and accessible coastal exploration makes Cape Carteret a versatile destination for nature enthusiasts.

Inside the Lighthouse: History and Wildlife

The Cape Carteret Lighthouse is more than just a viewpoint; it houses a small, informative museum. Inside, visitors can find displays detailing the history of the lighthouse itself and other lighthouses in the Cotentin region. A significant focus of the museum is on local marine mammal sightings, offering insights into the wildlife that inhabits the surrounding waters. This educational aspect adds depth to the visit, appealing to those interested in natural history and maritime heritage.

Complementing the museum's exhibits are terrific photographs of seabirds displayed in the courtyard outside the lighthouse. These visual elements enhance the visitor's connection to the local environment and wildlife. The combination of historical information, marine biology insights, and artistic representations of local fauna creates a well-rounded experience that goes beyond simply admiring the structure and its views.

You may also like

1 of 2