Name and Location

The Etel Light is a minor navigation light located on the west bank of the mouth of the Étel River, within the commune of Plouhinec in southern Brittany, France. The official name is "Etel" and its reference number is D 1012.

2. Construction and History

The Etel Light was constructed in the 20th century (exact date unknown). It stands on a low promontory adjoining the former semaphore station, overlooking the sandbanks and tidal flats at the river mouth. The light was added to improve night navigation after the original semaphore station was built in the 19th century.

3. Architecture and Materials

The Etel Light is a functional maritime beacon with a cylindrical tower surmounted by a lantern. It is presumably made of reinforced concrete or masonry, typical of French minor lights from the mid-20th century. The light is painted white with day-mark patterns (exact pattern unconfirmed).

4. Light and Navigation

The Etel Light has an occulting flash sequence displaying different colors over four named sectors. Sector 1 (white) ranges 9 nautical miles, while Sectors 2 (red), 3 (white), and 4 (green) range 6 nautical miles each.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

The Etel Light is not open to the public; its base is on private or secured port land. However, visitors can access a clear view of the light from the public footpath along the Plouhinec seawall, which offers a panoramic view of the river mouth.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding landscape features tidal flats, sandbanks, and dunes lining the river entrance. This area is popular with birdwatchers and shellfish gatherers at low tide. Visitors can also enjoy nearby beaches, including Kerhillio and Le Vieux Passage, as well as Pointe de la Lande and Fort Bloqué on the opposite bank.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

The Etel Light has played an important role in maritime heritage, serving as a beacon for coastal navigation into the Étel estuary. While no major shipwrecks are recorded directly at this point, the sandbanks shifting with strong tides have long been a hazard to small craft.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The Etel Light is fully automated, remotely monitored (no resident keepers), and likely powered by mains electricity with battery backup, typical for French minor lights of its era.

9. Further Information

Further information on the Etel Light can be found on the French Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service's website (www.shom.fr) or through Nautical Charts and References such as French Chart 7057 (approaches to Étel).