La Corbière Lighthouse

The story

Erected in 1874, La Corbière Lighthouse marked a significant engineering achievement for its time, utilising a then-novel material: concrete. Before its construction, this treacherous stretch of coastline, with its submerged reefs and strong currents, was a peril to passing ships. The lighthouse's beam has since guided countless vessels safely through these waters. The name 'Corbière' itself, derived from the Jèrriais for a place where crows or ravens gather, hints at the wild, untamed nature of this beautiful, exposed headland. It remains a testament to maritime ingenuity and resilience, an enduring symbol of Jersey's relationship with the sea.

What to expect

Visitors to La Corbière can embark on a walk along the causeway that connects the lighthouse to the mainland during low tide. This offers a unique perspective of the structure and the surrounding rock pools, teeming with marine life. As the tide recedes, the causeway emerges, inviting exploration. When the water returns, the lighthouse transforms into a solitary island, cut off until the next tidal cycle. The area is particularly popular at dusk, offering a panoramic stage for the island's most celebrated sunsets.

Highlights

• Walk the tidal causeway to the lighthouse
• Witness spectacular sunsets over the ocean
• Explore rock pools at low tide
• Admire engineering of the first concrete lighthouse
• Capture dramatic coastal photographs

Where you'll find it

Located at the south-westernmost point of Jersey, in the parish of St Brelade, La Corbière is accessible by car with parking available nearby. It sits at the end of a scenic coastal road, providing breathtaking vistas over the Atlantic. The rugged cliffs and expansive skies surrounding the lighthouse make it a destination in itself, offering ample opportunities for further coastal walks.

Good to know

Best checked around tide times — the causeway floods quickly. A warning siren sounds when the tide is rising.