Name and Location

The Phare de Goulphar, also known in Breton as Tour-tan Goulfar, is a major lighthouse located on Belle-Île-en-Mer, Brittany, France. Its official address is 400 Le Grand Phare de Goulphar, 56360 Bangor, Belle-Île-en-Mer, Morbihan, Brittany, France. The coordinates are 47°18′38″ N, 3°13′37″ W (decimal: 47.3108455, –3.2271138).

Construction and History

The Phare de Goulphar is a masonry lighthouse tower with two interior levels. Although the construction era is not specified, many Breton lighthouses date from the early- to mid-19th century.

Architecture and Materials

The structure stands at 53 meters above its base and has a focal plane of 87 meters above sea level. The exterior appears as horizontal bands of red and grey. The materials used are presumed to be stone or concrete, although this is not explicitly stated in the available sources.

Light and Navigation

The Phare de Goulphar emits a group-flashing white light (Fl 2 W) with a period of 10 seconds. The sequence is flash 0.1 second + eclipse 2.4 seconds + flash 0.1 second + eclipse 7.4 seconds. The nominal range is approximately 27 nautical miles.

Accessibility and Visiting

Public access to the lighthouse is not specified in the available sources, although many Breton lighthouses offer guided visits during summer months. Visitors are advised to approach from Bangor village via D240 road, then a short walk or shuttle to the site at "Le Grand Phare".

Notable Views and Landscape

The Phare de Goulphar is situated on a promontory setting on Belle-Île-en-Mer's southern cliffs. From its location, visitors can enjoy panoramic views across the Pointe du Goulphar, over the Atlantic seaboard, and neighboring islets. The surrounding landscape features rugged coastal scenery characterized by rocky headlands and heathland.

Technical and Operational Details

The Phare de Goulphar is an automated lighthouse, typical for major French lighthouses. Its operation is overseen by the French Service des Phares et Balises (Lighthouse & Beacons Service), with maintenance carried out by coastal navigation authorities.

Further Information

• "Phare de Goulphar," ANFR (08/2019)
• French Ministry of Culture, Monument historique file PA00135278 (inscribed 12 June 1995)
• Admiralty List of Lights, D1032; NGA 113-640