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Phare du Four

G5FV+7W Landunvez, France

Name and Location

The Phare du Four lighthouse is located in the picturesque town of Landunvez, France.

Construction and History

Built between 1859 and 1864, the Phare du Four is an impressive structure that has been guiding mariners through the treacherous waters of the Finistère region for over a century. Originally constructed as a beacon for ships navigating the Finistère region, the lighthouse was recognized as a historical monument (Monument historique) by France's Ministry of Culture in 2015.

Architecture and Materials

The Phare du Four features an octagonal tower rising above the surrounding landscape, with its sturdy stone foundation made from limestone and granite. The structure is designed in the Neoclassical style, blending seamlessly into the natural environment.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse's light characteristic is Fl (3) W 15s, emitting a white light every 15 seconds. With a height of 28 meters above sea level and a focal plane elevation of 92 meters, the lighthouse's light can be seen up to 22 kilometers out to sea.

Accessibility and Visiting

Although no longer operational for navigation purposes, the Phare du Four has been converted into a tourist attraction. Visitors can enter the structure and explore its fascinating history. The lighthouse is open to visitors from April to October, with guided tours available upon request.

Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding area is home to an array of marine wildlife, including seals and seabirds. Visitors may also want to explore the nearby coastal towns of Pont-l'Abbé and Quimper, both offering unique cultural experiences and stunning natural scenery.

Anecdotes and Folklore

According to local legend, the Phare du Four was originally built as a beacon for ships navigating the treacherous waters of the Finistère region. One famous anecdote tells the story of a shipwreck that occurred nearby in 1885, resulting in the loss of several lives.

Technical and Operational Details

The Phare du Four was automated in the 1990s, replacing manual operation. It does not have any AIS or radar installations.

Further Information

For further information on the Phare du Four, please visit its Wikipedia page at <https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phare_du_Four>.

Details

NamePhare du Four
CityLandunvez
CountryFrance
Coordinates48.5231667, -4.8051633
Year of construction1864
Events1885 shipwreck nearby
Storieslocal legend: original beacon for ships navigating the treacherous waters
Architectural styleNeoclassical
Construction materiallimestone, granite
Focal height28
Tower height92
Heritage statustrue
Renovationsconverted into a tourist attraction
Access descriptionD765 road from Landunvez town center or follow the coastal path
Accessibletrue
Landscape typecoastal landscape
View descriptionRugged cliffs, rocky shores, and sandy beaches
Guided tourstrue
Facilitiessmall museum, gift shop selling local souvenirs
Opening hours{"from":"April","to":"October"}
Nearby attractionsPont-l'Abbé, Quimper
AIS Radarfalse
Light characteristicFl (3) W 15s
Light range22
Automatedtrue