Name and Location

The Phare de la Vieille, also known as La Vieille Lighthouse, is located in Plogoff, Finistère, Brittany, France. Its official name is "Phare de la Vieille," while its nickname is "Tour-tan ar Wrac'h Vras" (The Old Woman's Tower) in Breton.

Construction and History

Built in 1882, the Phare de la Vieille has been guiding mariners for over 130 years. The lighthouse was originally manually operated but was automated at an unknown later date. Today, it serves as a historical monument and tourist attraction, managed by the French Ministry of Culture.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse stands 39 meters (127 feet) tall, with a focal height of 33 meters (108 feet). It is built using stone and iron, blending into the rugged Brittany coastline. The design architect is unknown.

Light and Navigation

The Phare de la Vieille features six beacons with distinct colors and periods: white for 4 seconds, red for 2 seconds, green for 4 seconds, and so on. The range of the light is approximately 10 nautical miles (18 kilometers).

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse, which is located near the town center of Plogoff. Opening hours, entrance fees, and guided tour schedules are not publicly available. The nearest accommodations and amenities can be found in nearby Quimper or Brest.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse stands on a rocky coastline, overlooking the Bay of Douarnenez. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and picturesque fishing villages.

Heritage Status

The Phare de la Vieille was inscribed as a historic monument (Monument historique) in France on December 31, 2015, and is listed under the Ref:FR:ANFR number 207032.

Further Information

For more information, consult the French Ministry of Culture, the French National Geographic Institute (IGN), or data.gouv.fr.