Phare de la Vieille

The Phare de la Vieille, also known as La Vieille, is a historic lighthouse located on the northwest coast of France, in the département of Finistère at the commune of Plogoff. This small, remote structure has guided mariners through the strait Raz de Sein since its construction began in 1882.

History

• Initial planning for the Phare de la Vieille took place as early as 1861, but it wasn't until twenty years later that the project was confirmed.
• The building process was hindered by fierce tides, which limited the time available for construction to less than half of each year. After five years, the lighthouse was complete and its beam first shone in 1887.
• The light is occulting, with a range of 18 nautical miles (33 km); a foghorn was installed in the early twentieth century.

The Phare de la Vieille gained notoriety in the 1920s when two disabled war veterans were stranded there for weeks by storms, their health deteriorating. They were employed under a new law reserving the job of lighthouse keeper to those who had served in the war.

Architecture

The Phare de la Vieille is a small, monolithic structure built on the rock known as Gorlebella (Breton for "farthest rock"). It stands at an impressive 39 meters tall and has a focal height of 33 meters. The lighthouse features a distinctive design with multiple light sources, each emitting a different color: white, red, green, and white.

Location

The Phare de la Vieille is situated on the northwest coast of France, in the département of Finistère at the commune of Plogoff. It lies on the rock known as Gorlebella, which is located in the strait Raz de Sein.

Visiting Information

The Phare de la Vieille is not currently an active aid to navigation, having been automated in 1995. However, it remains an important historical landmark and a popular destination for tourists. The lighthouse's current status as a museum makes it a unique opportunity to explore its rich history and learn about the lives of its former keepers.

Heritage Status

The Phare de la Vieille has been recognized for its cultural significance and is listed on various heritage registers, including the French Ministry of Culture's register. The lighthouse's remote location and rugged design have also earned it a reputation as one of the "hell" lighthouses around France's coasts.

Notable Historical Events

The Phare de la Vieille has played host to several notable events in its history, including the 1920s incident involving two disabled war veterans who were stranded there for weeks. This event led to the repeal of a new law reserving the job of lighthouse keeper to those who had served in the war.