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Phare de Kergadec

7 Rue du Phare, 29770 Audierne, France

Name and Location

The Phare de Kergadec Lighthouse is located in Audierne, France.

Construction and History

The Phare de Kergadec was built in 1832 to serve as a guiding beacon for ships navigating the treacherous coast of Brittany. At the time, the area was plagued by shipwrecks and maritime disasters, leading local authorities to recognize the need for a reliable lighthouse system.

Architecture and Materials

The Phare de Kergadec stands at a height of 43 meters (141 feet), with a distinctive red and white striped tower that rises above the rugged coastline. The structure is composed of stone and concrete, with a square base and a tapered shape that narrows as it reaches its peak.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse's primary function is to emit a powerful beam of light that can be seen for up to 12 nautical miles (22 kilometers). The light character is Q, indicating a quick flash every 5 seconds. The light is visible from all directions, with a range of 9-12 nautical miles depending on the sector.

Accessibility and Visiting

(No information available)

Notable Views and Landscape

The Phare de Kergadec offers stunning views of the Brittany coastline and surrounding landscape.

Anecdotes and Folklore

Its red light, visible from 17 nautical miles (31 kilometers), serves as a warning signal to vessels approaching hazardous waters. The lighthouse's fog signal, audible for up to 9 nautical miles (17 kilometers), consists of a distinctive Q sound.

Technical and Operational Details

The Phare de Kergadec is one of four major lighthouses along the Brittany coastline.

Further Information

  • References: US NGA Pub. 113 (2010-10-22), Audierne Tourism Information, Wikidata: Q20747651

Details

NamePhare de Kergadec
CityAudierne
CountryFrance
Coordinates48.0159203, -4.5462953
Year of construction1832
Historic significanceserved as a guiding beacon for ships navigating the treacherous coast of Brittany
StoriesThe area was plagued by shipwrecks and maritime disasters, leading local authorities to recognize the need for a reliable lighthouse system.; Its red light, visible from 17 nautical miles (31 kilometers), serves as a warning signal to vessels approaching hazardous waters.
Construction material"stone and concrete"
Tower height43
Accessibletrue
Landscape typerugged coastline
Nearby attractions["four major lighthouses along the Brittany coastline"]
Light characteristic"Q"
Light range{"9-12 nautical miles":true}
Automatedfalse