CAP BÉAR is the next cape in France after Cap Cerbère so it gets a lighthouse. A real one this time, with a job to do: it marks the position of Port Vendres for mariners out to sea and wanting to get their fish catch into the early morning market; or it confirms to the captain of the incoming car ferry from Tangiers that he (or she) has managed not to miss the hidden Port Vendres harbour tucked just round the corner from Cap Béar.
It is a sobering realisation that I first set eyes on this phare way back in 1988. We were staying in Estoher, near Canigou, our first Pyrenean summit! I liked Cap Béar then but the fire of lighthouse depravity had not yet taken its hold upon me, so only one snap taken then features this fine light. I reproduce it at the foot of this post with Mme Melling giving the scene human interest, bottom right.
Do you think the lantern looks a bit out of proportion for the tower? Anyway, here's the gen on Cap Béar, the lighthouse:
The original phare was a nine metre masonry tower situated much higher up the slope of the ridge. That had a focal plane of 229 metres (751ft), so it was often obscured by low clouds. Hence the shift downhill in 1905, on the cape here, about two and a half kilometres east of Port Vendres. Note: the name of the cape is pronounced with two syllables: bay-ar. (this information is provided to assist you when speaking phare). I am happy to include Jean Benoît Héron's fine elevation of the lighthouse for your further edification and delight.
