Môle des Noires
JXR9+V7, Saint-Malo, France
Name and Location
The Môle des Noires Lighthouse is located in Saint-Malo, Brittany, France. Its official name is Môle des Noires, while its local nickname is Sav-maen ar Vein Zu, meaning "Black Moat Lighthouse" in Breton.
Construction and History
The lighthouse was constructed in 1682 as part of a larger fortification project to protect the city from naval attacks during the reign of King Louis XIV. Its name, Môle des Noires, translates to "Black Moat" in French, likely due to its proximity to a defensive moat surrounding the city.
Architecture and Materials
The lighthouse is an excellent example of 17th-century French architecture, with a sturdy stone tower and a distinctive pyramidal shape. Its height reaches 11 meters (36 feet) above sea level, making it an easily visible landmark for approaching vessels. Local limestone and granite were used in the construction of the lighthouse, ensuring its durability and resistance to the harsh maritime environment.
Light and Navigation
Historical records indicate that the lighthouse displayed a red light with a 20-second period, visible up to 6 nautical miles (11 kilometers) away. This information is based on US NGA Pub. 114.(2020), which serves as the primary source for this article.
Accessibility and Visiting
Although no longer serving as a functioning aid to navigation, the Môle des Noires has been converted into a museum and is now open to the public. Visitors can explore the tower's interior, gaining insight into the lives of former lighthouse keepers and the importance of this structure in maritime history.
Notable Views and Landscape
Anecdotes and Folklore
No anecdotes or folklore are available for this lighthouse.
Technical and Operational Details
No technical or operational details are provided in the dataset.
Further Information
For mariners and navigation enthusiasts, consult nautical charts such as those published by the French Hydrographic Office (SHOM) or the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) for detailed information on the lighthouse's location and characteristics.
Details
| Name | Môle des Noires |
|---|---|
| City | Saint-Malo |
| Country | France |
| Coordinates | 48.6421122, -2.0318283 |
| Year of construction | 1682 |
| Events | response to the threat of naval attacks during the 17th century |
| Historic significance | role in maritime history and defense of the city |
| Keeper stories | daily routine, challenges, and triumphs faced by these dedicated individuals |
| Stories | lives of former lighthouse keepers are steeped in maritime history and adventure |
| Architectural style | 17th-century French |
| Construction material | local limestone and granite |
| Focal height | 11 |
| Tower height | 11 |
| Heritage status | true |
| Renovations | converted to a museum |
| Access description | open to visitors |
| Accessible | true |
| Landscape type | historic city with a dramatic coastline |
| View description | breathtaking views of the city's harbor and coastline |
| Guided tours | true |
| Facilities | restrooms, seating areas |
| Nearby attractions | Saint-Malo Museum, Fort National, Grand Bé Lighthouse, Brittany coastline |
| AIS Radar | false |
| Light characteristic | red light with 20-second period, visible up to 6 nautical miles away |
| Light range | 6 |
| Automated | false |