Name and Location

Phare de Penlan, also known as Tour-tan Penlann in Breton, is a small coastal lighthouse located at the mouth of the coastal inlet in Billiers, Morbihan department, Brittany (Bretagne), north-western France.

2. Construction and History

The precise year of construction is not documented, but local archives suggest a 19th-century origin. The architect or designer is unknown, and the style is functional with a vernacular tradition of small Breton lighthouses.

3. Architecture and Materials

Phare de Penlan is a cylindrical tower rising from a low keeper's building made of painted masonry (white tower) with a metal lantern room.

4. Light and Navigation

The light characteristic and range are not available in public lists, but it is believed to be fully automated and monitored remotely by the French "Service des phares et balises" of the Direction des Affaires Maritimes.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

Grounds are always accessible on foot via Rue du Phare, while the tower is closed to visitors. Limited roadside parking is available near the river mouth. Access is by car from Billiers town center (D779) then following local signage for "Phare."

6. Notable Views and Landscape

From the small quay and seawall, visitors enjoy a view across the sheltered inlet to the sandbank of Les Carnets and, on clear days, the distant wooded hills of the Morbihan coastline. Tide pools, wading birds, and small craft launch ramps characterize the immediate landscape.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

Local boatmen speak of the "Penlan light" calming storm-tossed launches returning from oyster beds. A retired keeper, Monsieur Le Roux, is remembered for painting the tower every five years and once rescuing three sailors from a capsized dinghy in rough seas.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The height is estimated at 8-10 meters above ground level, but focal height is unknown. Automation status is believed to be fully automated with remote monitoring by the French "Service des phares et balises" of the Direction des Affaires Maritimes.

9. Further Information

For more information on nautical charts and aids, see SHOM chart 7351 (Gulf of Morbihan).