SW DL-280 4 (four) Lighthouses of Brittany

There are 148 lighthouses in Brittany, one of them so old that it dates back to the time of Louis XIV. Some are perched on rocky islets lashed by waves; others sit safely on the coast, looking toward the ocean. Once, their lights guided sailors to safety. Today, 80 are still working, but many others are just majestic ghosts of the past.

(1) Phare du Cre’ac’h at Ouessant

This 54.85-metre high lighthouse is reputed to be the most powerful in the world.  It is situated on the island of Ouessant and was built in 1863.

(2) Phare du Four at Porspoder

This lighthouse is located 2 km off the peninsula of St Lawrence in the town of Porspoder. It is 11.50 metres high and is built on granite rock 25 metres in diameter. This lighthouse built 1869-1874 overlooks the Four Channel, the passage between the English Channel and the Iroise.

(3) Phare Les Pierres Noires ("Black Rocks") at Le Conquet

This lighthouse was built between 1867 and 1871. It lights the Saint Mathieu foreland. Originally mineral oil was used as light fuel, then lamp-oil vapors in 1903 and electricity was used from 1984. Automated since 1992, it is remotely controlled from Créac'h lighthouse (Ouessant Island).

(4) Phare de la Vieille ("The Old Lady") at Pointe du Raz

This lighthouse lies on the rock known as Gorlebella (Breton for "farthest rock"), guiding mariners in the strait Raz de Sein. Built in 1882-1887, this lighthouse is 27 metres high.

 

This postcard came from Isabelle K. (5 September 2014) Swap-bot.