Phare de Cap Blanc
Rue des Iles de la Madeleine, 97500, 97500, St Pierre and Miquelon
Name and Location
The Phare de Cap Blanc lighthouse is located on the island of Miquelon-Langlade in the Saint Pierre and Miquelon archipelago.
Construction and History
The lighthouse was constructed in 1891 as part of a series of coastal defenses to protect the islands from potential threats. Designed by French architect Émile Masson, it features a neo-Gothic style with a distinctive red-and-white striped tower that stands at an impressive 32 meters (105 feet) tall.
Architecture and Materials
The lighthouse's architecture is characterized by its neo-Gothic style, with a distinctive red-and-white striped tower. The exact materials used in its construction are not specified.
Light and Navigation
The lighthouse is equipped with two powerful lights: a primary light emitting a red beam every 15 seconds, visible for up to 18 kilometers (11 miles), and a secondary light radiating a white beam every 15 seconds, visible for up to 22 kilometers (14 miles). These light patterns have been used since its construction, making it an essential aid to navigation in the region.
Accessibility and Visiting
Visitors can access the lighthouse via Rue des Iles de la Madeleine, 97500, St Pierre and Miquelon. Although the lighthouse is not open to the general public, it has been recognized as a significant cultural heritage site by the French Ministry of Culture (Ministère de la Culture) in 2012.
Notable Views and Landscape
The lighthouse is situated on the western coast of Miquelon-Langlade, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The surrounding landscape features rugged cliffs, rocky shores, and dense forests, creating a dramatic backdrop for this historic structure.
Anecdotes and Folklore
No anecdotes or folklore are mentioned in the provided data.
Technical and Operational Details
The Phare de Cap Blanc was initially operated manually by lighthouse keepers until it was automated in the mid-20th century. Today, the lighthouse remains fully automated, with no on-site personnel responsible for its operation.
Further Information
Details
| Name | Phare de Cap Blanc |
|---|---|
| City | |
| Country | France |
| Coordinates | 47.1050008, -56.3988946 |
| Year of construction | 1891 |
| Events | shipwrecks; rescues |
| Historic significance | significant maritime aid |
| Architectural style | neo-Gothic |
| Architect | Émile Masson |
| Focal height | 105 |
| Tower height | 32 |
| Heritage status | true |
| Access description | Rue des Iles de la Madeleine, 97500, St Pierre and Miquelon |
| Accessible | false |
| Landscape type | rocky coast |
| View description | rugged cliffs, rocky shores, and dense forests |
| Guided tours | false |
| Nearby attractions | ["historic structures in Saint Pierre and Miquelon"] |
| AIS Radar | false |
| Light characteristic | "Fl(3)W.15s (red and white beams)" |
| Light range | {"primary":18,"secondary":22} |
| Automated | true |