Tourelle d'An Namouic Lighthouse

The Tourelle d'An Namouic lighthouse has been guiding mariners through the treacherous waters of the Celtic Sea since its construction in 1850.

History

• The Tourelle d'An Namouic lighthouse has been guiding mariners through the treacherous waters of the Celtic Sea since its construction in 1850.
• Located on the rugged coast of Île-de-Sein, off the coast of Quimper in Brittany, France, this stalwart sentinel has stood watch over the maritime trade for nearly two centuries.

Architecture and Construction

The Tourelle d'An Namouic is a sturdy stone tower, constructed from local granite and stonework.

• The lighthouse stands at an impressive 30 meters (98 feet) tall, its foundation anchored firmly to the rocky shoreline.
• The lantern room, housing the Fresnel lens that illuminates the surrounding waters, rises to a height of 25 meters (82 feet).

Light Characteristics

The Tourelle d'An Namouic emits a powerful beam of light, visible for up to 20 nautical miles.

• The light pattern is a traditional rotating flash, with a period of 5 seconds between flashes.

Current Status

The Tourelle d'An Namouic remains an active aid to navigation, although it has been automated since the 1980s.

• The lighthouse is still maintained by the French authorities and continues to guide vessels safely into port.

Location and Accessibility

Located on Île-de-Sein, off the coast of Quimper in Brittany, France, the Tourelle d'An Namouic can be accessed via a short footpath from the island's main village.

• Visitors can explore the lighthouse and its surrounding grounds, taking in the stunning views of the Celtic Sea.

Heritage Status

The Tourelle d'An Namouic is listed as a Monument Historique by the French government, recognizing its importance as a historic landmark and navigational aid.

Notable Historical Events

• During World War II, the Tourelle d'An Namouic played a significant role in the Allied invasion of Normandy.
• In 1944, American forces used the lighthouse as a reference point for their landing craft, navigating safely into the surrounding waters despite heavy German fire.

Strong emphasis on importance