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PHOTO TOUR These photos may take a few moments to load....please be patient, they are worth the wait. My photos are protected by and can be tracked. All content subject to copyright. All rights reserved. Contact me here |
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Corbière Lighthouse Corbière Lighthouse is probably the most photographed scene in Jersey. Hidden beneath the waves are treacherous rocks that have claimed the lives of many an unwary sailor. 'Corbière' in fact comes from the word 'corbeau' in French, meaning crow, rook or raven - birds that were once considered to be a bad omen, so it is an appropriate name for this dangerous stretch of coastline. This much needed lighthouse was not built until 1873 and was designed by Imrie Bell. Standing on a 9 foot high platform and rising to a height of 35 feet, it was the first concrete lighthouse to be constructed in the British Isles. |
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In the picture above you can probably make out the little causeway that leads to the lighthouse. At low tide this is uncovered and from the lighthouse you will have spectacular views across St. Ouens bay, to the north. As the tide rushes in, the causeway is quickly covered with water.
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The sculpture on the left commemorates the shipwreck of the 'St. Malo' in 1995. This French registered passenger ship encountered a heavy swell off La Corbière and the captain made the decision to take a short cut, passing through some reefs and close to the lighthouse. The reefs were well covered with water because it was nearly high tide, but instead of slowing down, the captain continued at high speed. The inevitable happened - it struck a rock, ripping open the hull. The twin-hulled design was probably all that prevented this incident from turning into a terrible tragedy. |
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All the passengers and crew were able to jump to safety. The foundering vessel was towed to St. Aubins and then on to St. Helier for salvage. |
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Corbière is easily accessed by road but another pleasant way of visiting is to follow the 'Railway Walk' all the way from St. Aubins to this rocky headland. The defunct railway track is now used as a cycle track and walkway and the route up from St. Aubins is a relatively easy one and quite pretty. I particularly recommend visiting this area at sunset - it's a magical sight to watch the sun sinking into the ocean behind the pretty lighthouse. |
