At the beginning of the 1930s it was decided to limit the effect of the currents by the creation of an outer port defined by two jetties.
Photo: Dunkerque Grand Littoral.
At the end of the 750 metre western jetty a light was installed to mark the entrance to the channel for sailors. This light, which stands more than 35 metres high and is named the Western jetty light, was in use until 1963. A subterranean passage built to carry cables allowed the keeper to get back to land dry shod during storms.
Over the years, the light also regulated the entrances and exits from the port with three traditional signals, one above another, beneath a concrete sunshade, in addition to its rôle of marking the port to those offshore.
Sailors from Dunkirk were very attached to this Art Deco light, the work of Gustave Umbdenstock, the French Government's Chief Architect. A pressure group has worked to protect it and it is now a historic monument.
The light is not open to visitors.
Photos: Port Museum
