Vieille Light, Historical lighthouse in Plogoff, France
The Vieille Light stands 26.9 meters tall on Gorlebella rock, constructed from granite with a square base that expands toward a crenelated platform supporting the lantern.
Built between 1882 and 1887, the lighthouse guided vessels through the dangerous waters of Raz de Sein, reducing the frequency of shipwrecks along the Breton coast.
The structure represents the maritime heritage of Brittany and stands as a testament to the engineering capabilities of 19th-century French lighthouse construction methods.
The lighthouse operates automatically since 1995, projecting light visible for 18 nautical miles, while maintenance technicians access the structure periodically for essential repairs.
Two disabled war veterans remained trapped inside the lighthouse during severe storms in the 1920s, leading to significant changes in French lighthouse keeper employment regulations.
Location: Plogoff
Inception: 1882
Elevation above the sea: 23.9 m
Height: 26.9 m
Made from material: granite
GPS coordinates: 48.04056,-4.75639
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:38
Maritime lighthouses guiding ships along the coasts of metropolitan France. Stone, granite, and limestone towers rise on capes, islands, and peninsulas. These historical structures, dating from the 17th to 20th century, ensure maritime navigation. Notable lighthouses include Cordouan, the oldest active lighthouse in France, and Île Vierge, the highest stone structure in Europe. Some are positioned at sea, like La Jument and La Vieille, others on the coast like Eckmühl with its 307 steps. These lighthouses demonstrate French maritime engineering.
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