Phare d'Ar-Men

The Phare d'Ar-Men is a historic lighthouse located on the Île-de-Sein, off the coast of Brittany, France.

Introduction

The Phare d'Ar-Men is an iconic structure that has been guiding mariners for over 140 years and is an important part of the region's maritime heritage.

History

1. Construction of the Phare d'Ar-Men began in 1881 and was completed in 1883.
2. The lighthouse has undergone several renovations and restorations over the years, with the most recent being a major restoration project that took place between 2015 and 2017.

Architecture

The Phare d'Ar-Men is a traditional French lighthouse design, featuring a cylindrical tower with a distinctive lantern room at the top.

1. The tower stands at an impressive height of 29 meters (94 feet) above sea level, and its focal height reaches 63 meters (207 feet).

Light Characteristics

The Phare d'Ar-Men features a modern LED light that emits a distinctive Fl (first order) pattern.

1. The light has a range of 23 nautical miles and is visible from a distance of over 20 kilometers.

Current Status

The Phare d'Ar-Men is currently an active aid to navigation, with a modern radio station on site that provides AIS (Automatic Identification System) services.

1. The lighthouse has been automated since 2017, and human keepers are no longer required to maintain its operation.

Location and Accessibility

The Phare d'Ar-Men is located on the Île-de-Sein, off the coast of Quimper in Brittany.

1. The island can be accessed by ferry from the town of Quimper, which is situated approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) away.

Heritage Status

The Phare d'Ar-Men has been recognized as an important part of France's cultural heritage.

1. In 2017, it was designated as a "monument historique" (historic monument) by the French Ministry of Culture, recognizing its significance as a historic lighthouse and its contribution to the region's maritime history.

Notable Historical Events

The Phare d'Ar-Men has played an important role in several notable historical events.

1. During World War II, the lighthouse was used as a navigation aid for Allied forces, helping them to navigate the treacherous coastline of Brittany.
2. In recent years, the lighthouse has been featured in several documentaries and articles, highlighting its importance as a historic landmark and its continued relevance as an aid to navigation.

Introduction,