Name and Location

Phare du Coq, also known as the Rooster Lighthouse, is a small but vital coastal beacon located at the eastern bank of the Odet estuary in Bénodet, Finistère, Brittany, France.

2. Construction and History

The Phare du Coq's exact date of construction is not recorded, but local tradition suggests it was built in the early 20th century. The lighthouse continues to serve as a vital aid to navigation for pleasure craft, fishing boats, and small commercial vessels entering or leaving the Odet estuary.

3. Architecture and Materials

The Phare du Coq is a cylindrical masonry tower set on a single-storey base, standing 13 meters tall above ground level. The exterior is likely painted white, following local practice. The construction materials used are unknown but may be local granite or concrete.

4. Light and Navigation

The lighthouse emits an unpublished light characteristic, typical of minor estuary beacons. It appears on official French nautical charts (SHOM series) marking the eastern approach to the Odet estuary and works in conjunction with lateral buoys and a corresponding west-bank light.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

The Phare du Coq is not open to the public, but the exterior can be viewed freely from the Corniche de l'Estuaire road. The site is reached by foot from Bénodet town center via the coastal path; limited roadside parking is available.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The Phare du Coq offers panoramic views of the estuary mouth, the Île Panot, and the surrounding landscape. On clear days, visitors can see the sandy beaches of Bénodet, the river valley, and the white facades of Trévignon and Penmarc'h across the bay.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The Phare du Coq is fully automated and unmanned since the mid-20th century. There is no radar or AIS transceiver installed at the tower itself.