Saint-Antoine
81 An Ode Bri, 29870 Landéda, France
Name and Location
Saint-Antoine Lighthouse (Breton: Sant Anton) is a small coastal light marking the entrance to the Aber-Benoît on the northern shore of Landéda, in the Finistère department of Brittany, France.
Construction and History
The construction era of Saint-Antoine Lighthouse is not documented in major historic sources; likely mid-20th century installation as part of post-war modernization. The lighthouse has no surviving keeper's logbooks or memoirs; likely automated from its installation.
Architecture and Materials
The structure of the lighthouse is a small cylindrical or square tower mounted on a concrete base. It is made of concrete and metal, typical of 1950s-1970s minor lights in Brittany. The color scheme is speculated to be white with a contrasting gallery rail, based on regional practice.
Light and Navigation
The light range and characteristic are unconfirmed; likely a short-range flashing white light (speculation: Fl 2 W 6s, visible 5-7 nmi). The lighthouse marks the rocky shoreline and helps vessels navigate the narrow approach to the Aber-Benoît. It is fully automated with no resident keeper.
Accessibility and Visiting
The light itself is fenced and not open to the public; the shoreline access path off An Ode Bri road offers good views. How to reach: by car or bicycle along D231 road from Landéda village, turn north onto An Ode Bri, and follow a short footpath to the coast.
Notable Views and Landscape
Saint-Antoine stands amid the rugged, heath-covered headlands overlooking Aber-Benoît's tidal estuary. From the base, you can enjoy panoramic views of the island-dotted estuary, distant Île Vierge lighthouse, rocky tidal flats exposed at low water, migrating seabirds, and occasional seals.
Anecdotes and Folklore
No documented shipwrecks directly attributed to its absence; local mariners credit the light with reducing groundings in the Aber. The lighthouse has no recorded history or stories of note.
Technical and Operational Details
The power source is assumed mains electricity or solar panels, common for small Breton lights. Radar/AIS installation: none. The lighthouse is well maintained by the Service des phares et balises.
Further Information
- For further information, refer to OpenStreetMap entry (https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/53922924), Service des phares et balises official site (https://www.mer.gouv.fr/les-phares-et-balises), SHOM nautical charts covering Aber-Benoît, Brittany lighthouse guides (e.g. Éditions du Cabestan).
Details
| Name | Saint-Antoine |
|---|---|
| City | Landéda |
| Country | France |
| Coordinates | 48.5944958, -4.5560367 |
| Stories | no documented shipwrecks directly attributed to its absence—local mariners credit the light with reducing groundings in the Aber. |
| Construction material | ["concrete","metal"] |
| Focal height | 6 |
| Tower height | 4 |
| Access description | by car or bicycle along D231 road from Landéda village; turn north onto An Ode Bri and follow a short footpath to the coast. |
| Landscape type | rugged, heath-covered headlands |
| View description | panoramic views of the island-dotted estuary and distant Île Vierge lighthouse, rocky tidal flats exposed at low water, migrating seabirds and occasional seals |
| Guided tours | false |
| Facilities | nearest facilities (parking, picnic tables) at the Aber-Benoît picnic area 500 m east |
| Nearby attractions | ["Île Vierge Lighthouse","Kerveguen Manor and chapel","Beaches of Aber-Benoît and Pointe Saint-Michel","Landéda coastal walking trails (Sentier des douaniers GR 34)"] |
| AIS Radar | false |
| Automated | true |