Phare de l'Île Vierge
JCQJ+GX Plouguerneau, France
Name and Location
The Île Vierge Lighthouse (Phare de l'Île Vierge) stands on a small islet off the coast of Plouguerneau (Finistère), Brittany, France. The official name is Phare de l’Île Vierge, and it is also known as Tour-tan Enez Werc’h in Breton.
Construction and History
The current tower was constructed between 1897 and 1902, with the first light being lit on May 15, 1902. The smaller original tower from 1842 was replaced. The architect/engineers responsible for the construction were Dourlen and Rollet (Corps des Ponts et Chaussées). A fog signal was installed in 1883, which is still active today.
Architecture and Materials
The lighthouse has a classical cylindrical masonry design with an external staircase and gallery. It is made of local granite, with broken-rock fill and dressed masonry facing. The tower stands at 82.5 meters (271 feet) tall, with a focal plane at 77 meters above mean sea level.
Light and Navigation
The lighthouse has a flashing white light every 5 seconds (Fl W 5 s: 0.3 s flash + 4.7 s eclipse). The range of the light is approximately 27 nautical miles (50 kilometers), covering the Chenal du Four sector. The light is automated, with remote monitoring.
Accessibility and Visiting
The lighthouse is accessible by boat only, from the port of Le Conquet (15-minute crossing) or Plouguerneau. It is open seasonally (mid-June to mid-September), daily 10:00–18:00. Admission fee is approximately €5, with reduced rates for children and free admission for those under 6.
Notable Views and Landscape
The lighthouse offers panoramic views from the gallery, including Pointe Saint-Mathieu, Porz An Alar, Molène archipelago, and Pointe de Corsen. The surrounding landscape features tidal flats and rocky islets (“chaussée”).
Anecdotes and Folklore
Local folklore tells the story of the “White Maid of Île Vierge,” a phantom sailor who warns vessels in fog (unverified). Early keepers endured weeks of isolation in small dwellings at the tower’s base, with fresh water having to be ferried by boat.
Technical and Operational Details
The lighthouse has an AIS station (MMSI 992271317, Category: AtoN) and a radar reflector installed. There is no active radar beacon (RACON).
Details
| Name | Phare de l'Île Vierge |
|---|---|
| City | Plouguerneau |
| Country | Other |
| Coordinates | 48.6388517, -4.5675014 |
| Year of construction | 1902 |
| Events | Tower damaged by shellfire during WWII but remained in operation |
| Keeper stories | Early keepers endured weeks of isolation in a small dwelling at the tower’s base; fresh water had to be ferried by boat |
| Stories | Shipwreck folklore: Legend of the “White Maid of Île Vierge,” a phantom sailor said to warn vessels in fog (unverified) |
| Architectural style | Classical cylindrical masonry tower with external staircase and gallery |
| Architect | Under direction of Dourlen and Rollet (Corps des Ponts et Chaussées) |
| Construction material | Local granite (broken-rock fill with dressed masonry facing) |
| Focal height | 77 |
| Tower height | 82.5 |
| Access description | By boat only, from the port of Le Conquet (15 min crossing) or Plouguerneau; no causeway |
| Accessible | true |
| Landscape type | Tidal flats and rocky islets (“chaussée”) |
| View description | Panoramic view from gallery: Pointe Saint-Mathieu, Porz An Alar, Molène archipelago, Pointe de Corsen |
| Guided tours | true |
| Facilities | Small visitor center at landing pier (restrooms, picnic area), no on-island café |
| Entrance fee | 5 |
| Opening hours | Mid-June to mid-September, daily 10:00–18:00 (check local notices) |
| Nearby attractions | Village of Meneham with restored thatched cottages; Pointe Saint-Mathieu abbey ruins and lighthouse (Finistère’s most westerly point); Beaches of Plouguerneau and the dune system at Blaoñ War (locally known as “Sables”). |
| AIS Radar | true |
| Light characteristic | Fl W 5 s: 0.3 s flash + 4.7 s eclipse |
| Light range | 27 |
| Automated | true |