Name and Location

The Phare de Trézien, also known as Tour-tan Trezian in Breton, is an active coastal lighthouse located on a headland at Plouarzel in the Finistère département of Brittany, France. The address is 40 Rue de la Valbelle (also listed as 134 Route du Phare), 29810 Plouarzel, Finistère, Bretagne, France. Its coordinates are 48°25′24″ N, 4°46′44″ W.

2. Construction and History

The Phare de Trézien was constructed in the mid-19th century (built between 1847 and 1848) and officially commissioned in 1848. It has a rich history as an aid to navigation, marking the western approaches to the roadstead of Brest in the Iroise Sea.

3. Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is a cylindrical masonry tower with a balcony and lantern, constructed from locally quarried granite. The tower stands 37 meters tall above its base, while the altitude of the light (focal plane) is 86 meters above mean sea level. The exterior finish is unpainted natural stone with a white lantern.

4. Light and Navigation

The Phare de Trézien is currently an active aid to navigation. Unfortunately, the specific characteristic and range of the lighthouse are not publicly documented.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

The exterior site and coastal footpaths surrounding the lighthouse are open to walkers year-round. However, the interior of the tower and lantern is not open to the general public.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

Sitting atop rugged granite cliffs overlooking the Iroise Sea, the lighthouse offers breathtaking views that include the islands of Molène and Ushant on clear days. The surrounding landscape features nearby attractions such as Pointe de Kerguélen, Plage de Trezien, traditional Breton chapels, and hamlets.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The Phare de Trézien is managed by the French Service des Phares et Balises (Etablissement national des signalisation maritime) and has been automated since a date not publicly documented.

9. Further Information

For further information, please consult the Mérimée database (Ministère de la Culture), the French Wikipedia article on Phare de Trézien, or OpenStreetMap feature.