Name and Location

Phare du Grand-Jardin is an active coastal lighthouse marking the entrance to the port of Saint-Malo in the Ille-et-Vilaine department of Brittany, France. Its location can be found at the seaward end of the granite breakwater known locally as the Grand-Jardin jetty.

Construction and History

The original tower was built in 1868 to improve safety at the narrow harbor entrance, but it was destroyed by retreating German forces in August 1944. The current structure was erected in the post-war reconstruction period and first illuminated in 1949. Local materials and prefabricated concrete components were reportedly used for rapid rebuilding.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is a cylindrical tower mounted on a circular concrete pier, with a gallery and lantern painted white with a red lantern roof. The structure stands at a height of 24 meters above the base to the top of the lantern and is made of reinforced concrete, typical of post-war lighthouse construction in France.

Light and Navigation

The light characteristic is a group of two red flashes every 10 seconds, with a sequence of 0.3 seconds flash, 2.2 seconds eclipse, 0.3 seconds flash, and 7.2 seconds eclipse. The light color is red, with a nominal range of 15 nautical miles. The focal plane is approximately 24 meters above mean sea level.

Accessibility and Visiting

The breakwater is open at low and mid tides for pedestrians, allowing access to the site. However, the tower itself is not open to the public, and there are no visitor facilities on site. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the lighthouse from the city walls of Saint-Malo or from Plage du Môle facing the harbor entrance.

Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding area features a rugged granite shoreline, tidal flats frequented by seabirds and seals, and excellent vantage points for sunset photography. Nearby attractions include the historic ramparts of Saint-Malo, Fort National, and Grand Bé island (accessible at low tide).

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is fully automated since 1982 and remotely monitored from Brest. It continues to guide commercial vessels, fishing boats, and pleasure craft into Saint-Malo.

Further Information

For more information on Phare du Grand-Jardin, please visit the French Wikipedia page or consult the references listed at the end of this text._