GATTEVILLE LE PHARE

• Latitude: 49.6936
• Longitude: -1.27848
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Port in France

Location: France

Gatteville-le-Phare is a small coastal village located in the Normandy region of northern France, near the northeastern tip of the Cotentin Peninsula in the Manche department. While it is better known for its landmark lighthouse, Gatteville Lighthouse (Phare de Gatteville), the area does feature a small marine port used primarily for recreational and local fishing activities. Here are some detailed descriptions and specifications:

Port Description

1. Location:

   • Coordinates: Approximately 49.6963° N latitude and 1.3785° W longitude.
   • Region: Normandy, France.
   • Nearby Landmark: Close to the town of Barfleur, another small port town.

2. Access:

   • Road Connections: Accessible by local roads connecting to the D116 and D901 highways.
   • Nearby Airports: Caen-Carpiquet Airport (approx. 120 km away) for regional flights.
   • Rail Connections: Train stations are located in larger nearby towns, such as Cherbourg, which is approximately 20 km away.

3. Harbor Structure:

   • Type: Small fishing and recreational harbor.
   • Breakwaters and Piers: Features modest breakwaters to protect the small basin.
   • Berths: Limited berthing capacity, mainly for small fishing boats and recreational yachts.

Specifications

1. Water Depth:

   • Depth often varies with tides, but typically accommodates small vessels.
   • Tidal Range: Notable tidal variation, which can influence water depth and access.

2. Facilities:

   • Mooring: Basic mooring facilities for local and visiting vessels.
   • Maintenance and Repair: Limited facilities; most in-depth maintenance would likely occur in larger nearby ports.
   • Navigation Aids: Nearby Gatteville Lighthouse provides a critical navigational aid.

3. Lighthouse:

   • Gatteville Lighthouse (Phare de Gatteville):
     • The structure is over 70 meters tall and is one of the tallest traditional lighthouses in the world.
     • Provides crucial guidance for vessels navigating the English Channel.

4. Services:

   • Fuel and Water: Limited availability; likely available in larger ports nearby.
   • Waste Disposal: Basic waste disposal facilities, often geared towards recreational boats.
   • Security: Basic security measures are in place, suitable for low-traffic marine activity.
   • Provisions: Essential supplies can be acquired locally, but major provisioning would require a trip to larger towns like Cherbourg.

5. Weather:

   • Climate: Maritime climate with relatively mild temperatures, frequent rain, and moderate wind conditions.
   • Safety: Mariners must be vigilant of local weather forecasts due to potentially rapid changes in weather conditions, which is typical for the region.

Notes for Mariners

• Navigation: Mariners should use official navigation charts and aids. The Gatteville Lighthouse is a significant reference point.
• Tides: Pay close attention to tidal schedules when planning arrival and departure.
• Communication: VHF radio communication with nearby larger ports and coast guard services is recommended for safety.

In summary, while Gatteville-le-Phare does have a functional port, its facilities are relatively basic and are most suited for small-scale fishing and recreational boating. For more comprehensive maritime services, mariners often rely on nearby larger ports such as Cherbourg.