Phare des Birvideaux, Lighthouse on submerged rocks between Groix Island and Quiberon Peninsula, France
The Phare des Birvideaux is an octagonal stone structure standing on submerged rocks between Groix Island and the Quiberon Peninsula. This 29-meter tower sends white light signals to warn ships of dangerous underwater reefs in the area.
The lighthouse was built starting in 1880 with construction taking 54 years, making it one of France's longest lighthouse projects. The extended timeline reflected the extreme difficulty of establishing a permanent structure on unstable underwater rocks.
The lighthouse holds meaning for local maritime communities who have navigated these treacherous waters for centuries. Stories of sailors and their respect for this tower are woven into the identity of nearby fishing villages.
The lighthouse is best viewed from the shore or during boat tours in the area, as it stands far from land on dangerous rocks. Clear weather provides the best viewing conditions for seeing the structure and its light signals.
Building the foundation required drilling roughly one hundred holes into the submarine platform, a task that alone took five years. This intensive groundwork was essential to create a stable base for the tower's stone walls.
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