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Phare du Bout du Monde: A Symbol of Maritime History

Discover La Rochelle's Phare du Bout du Monde: a replica lighthouse inspired by Jules Verne, symbolizing maritime history and Franco-Argentine ties.

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The Phare du Bout du Monde (Lighthouse at the End of the World) in La Rochelle is a replica of the original Argentinian lighthouse that inspired Jules Verne's novel. Located off the coast of La Rochelle, it serves as a beacon and a reminder of maritime adventure.

A brief summary to Phare du Bout du Monde

Local tips

  • Visit during sunset for breathtaking views of the lighthouse and the Atlantic coast.
  • Check the tide schedule, as the lighthouse is sometimes accessible on foot during low tide.
  • Take the sea bus from the Old Port to the Minimes district for a scenic journey to the lighthouse.
  • Explore the nearby Plage des Minimes and Parc des Pères for a complete coastal experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Vieux Port (Old Port) in La Rochelle, walk along the waterfront towards the Les Minimes district. Follow the coastal path, passing through the Parc Charruyer. Continue along the Allée Stella Maris until you reach the Phare du Bout du Monde. The walk takes approximately 35-45 minutes. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    From the Gare Routière (bus station) in central La Rochelle, take bus line 5 towards 'Les Minimes'. Get off at the 'La Plage' stop, which is about a 15-minute ride. From there, walk towards Allée Stella Maris, where the lighthouse is located. A single bus fare costs approximately €1.30.

  • Sea Bus

    Take the electro-solar sea bus from the Vieux Port to the Port des Minimes. The sea bus operates regularly with a journey time of about 20 minutes. From the Port des Minimes, it is a short walk to the lighthouse. The sea bus is included in the Yélo public transport абонементи (passes). A single trip costs around 3 euros.

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Discover more about Phare du Bout du Monde

The Phare du Bout du Monde in La Rochelle is more than just a lighthouse; it's a symbol of adventure, resilience, and the enduring connection between La Rochelle and the sea. This replica, inaugurated in 2000, pays homage to the original lighthouse, Faro San Juan del Salvamento, located on Isla de los Estados in Argentina, which inspired Jules Verne's novel 'The Lighthouse at the End of the World'. The original lighthouse was built in 1884 on the Isla de los Estados, off the coast of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. It served as a refuge for shipwrecked sailors in the treacherous waters near Cape Horn. In 1994, André Bronner, a sailor from La Rochelle, embarked on an expedition to find the remains of the original lighthouse. Inspired by his discovery, he formed an association and, with a team of volunteers, rebuilt the lighthouse in 1998. Bronner then spearheaded the construction of a replica in La Rochelle to symbolize peace and twinning between France and Argentina. The Phare du Bout du Monde in La Rochelle stands on stilts and is accessible on foot during high tides. While the lighthouse is not always open to the public, it remains a captivating sight. Its octagonal wooden structure and the light it projects serve as a reminder of La Rochelle's maritime past and its connection to the world.

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