Name and Location

The Phare des Triagoz is a small, still-active sea-marking lighthouse situated on the exposed rocks of the Triagoz archipelago, some 8 km off the coast of Pleumeur-Bodou in the Côtes-d'Armor department of Brittany, north-western France. The official name is Phare des Triagoz, and it's also known as "Le petit phare de Triagoz" (the little Triagoz lighthouse). The lighthouse serves as a key navigation aid for vessels rounding the northern end of the Bay of Saint-Brieuc and transiting between the Île de Bréhat and the mainland.

2. Construction and History

The Phare des Triagoz was constructed in the mid-19th century, with work reportedly carried out from 1864 to 1866. The exact date of first lighting is unknown but is believed to be around 1867. In the early 1980s, the lighthouse was automated and has since been operated remotely by the national "Service des Phares et Balises." The rugged Triagoz rocks were notorious for 19th-century wrecks, prompting the erection of the light.

3. Architecture and Materials

The tower form is conical stone, rising from a low keeper's annex (now unoccupied). The construction material is locally quarried pink granite, typical of Breton coastal lighthouses. The height is 15 meters (from base to lantern), with a focal plane approximately 23 meters above mean sea level. The paint scheme is plain white for the tower with an unpainted natural-stone base.

4. Light and Navigation

The Phare des Triagoz is operational, but its light characteristic is not publicly listed. Vessels should refer to SHOM chart #7026. Range and sectors are available on official nautical charts. There is no AIS or radar equipment installed on-site (no on-island monitoring equipment beyond the beacon itself).

5. Accessibility and Visiting

The tower and islet are closed to visitors due to safety considerations and difficult landing conditions. The best way to view the lighthouse is by private boat or from the mainland coast road between Trébeurden and Perros-Guirec on a calm day. Several local charter-boat operators include a photo-stop in summer tours.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding waters are rich fishing grounds, but strong currents and submerged rocks make approach by small craft hazardous in rough weather. Wildlife includes gannets, cormorants, and occasional seals hauled out on adjacent ledges.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

None available.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is managed by Phares et Balises (Ministère de la Transition écologique – DGITM), formerly "Service des Phares et Balises." Chart reference: SHOM #7026.

9. Further Information

For further reading, see the French Wikipedia article "Phare des Triagoz" and SHOM Nautical Chart 7026 (Baie de Saint-Brieuc – Archipel des Triagoz).