Brive lighthouse

We explain why this "lighthouse" is one of our top 14 sites to visit.

Why a lighthouse in Brive?

The secret is out: this lighthouse was never used to guide boats, as the building was in fact a water tower... But we're about to reveal another mystery: the architect and project manager behind its construction were passionate about history and prehistory. In the Jurassic period, the sea covered part of the region (Turenne was under water...), so our two Gaillards wanted to evoke this era and this proximity to the ocean, by giving this strange look to the water tower they were asked to build.

The old Brive-la-Gaillarde water tower

It was built in 1834 to independently house the driving engines, the main water tank and accommodation for the person in charge of maintenance and surveillance.

Later, the weighbridge for the cattle market was integrated into this building. A lifting machine was used to pump water from the Doux and store it at the top of the building in a tank, after passing through a sand filter and then being released. The building consists of a tower forming a belvedere, and stands at the end of the promenade that ran alongside the canal, now covered by the Quai de Tourny. The first floor was used as a grandstand for notables at agricultural and cultural events. The bell on the east side opened and closed the wholesale market.

The construction of the water tower in 1834 signalled the arrival of this important market and trading centre. The architect Mr Limousin, assisted by Mr Corrèze (you can't make this up!) and Mr Sauvage, wanted this building to be both useful and symbolic. Mr Limousin had built it to last, and even though the water tower was only used to receive water for 30 years, it is still there, in keeping with the dream of its creator.

The lighthouse today

Today, the lighthouse is a must-see! The building is fronted by a Mediterranean-style public garden (with olive trees and lavender), preceded by an 18th-century gateway symbolising the "Laughing portal of the South" sung by Jasmin, a 19th-century poet from Agen.

The building was listed as a Historic Monument by decree on 28 December 1984. It houses the Brive and surrounding area Tourist Office.

The length and breadth of the lighthouse...

The Brive lighthouse measures 22.50m from ground to roof! It has a circumference of 14.60m and 98 steps to the top!

Visiting the Brive lighthouse

You can visit the Brive Lighthouse*, free of charge, during Tourist Office opening hours! And if you come on a Saturday, you can enjoy the famous Brive market sung by Georges Brassens.

*The Lighthouse is accessible to children and minors if accompanied by an adult.

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