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Belle Ile lighthouse and fog siren, Bangor, BrittanyBelle Ile lighthouse and fog siren, Bangor, Brittany

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Explo writer
fritz's picture
fritz
24675 pts.
  • Off the path Explo
    76 %
    Off the path Explo rate
    Score
    3.8 / 5
    Comments
    This lighthouse is locally famous. Whereas the fog siren is almost unknown!
  • Article Quality
    66 %
    Article Quality rate
    • Score
      3.4 / 5
      Comments
      Teaser is a bit short Fritz! Description is ok. Cool tips!
    • Score
      3 / 5
      Comments
      Yes. Any plan to add?
    • Score
      4 / 5
      Comments
      Yes, 4 pics.
    • Score
      5 / 5
      Comments
      Yes!
    • Score
      1 / 5
      Comments
      No: Fog siren + lighthouse = 2 different Explos!
  • Explo Popularity
    %

A big lighthouse...

My experience, Explo description: 

This lighthouse was built between 1826 and 1835, according to a project designed by Augustin Fresnel (physicist).

Since that time, the mechanism was improved, both with the optical system and with the energy supply.

Due to the law of 3rd April 1882 and the electrification of the lighthouse, the Ponts et Chaussées (the engineer corp in France) decided to build in 1882 a small building with a mist siren in the vicinity of Port-Coton.

The lighthouse and the fog siren are registered as historical monuments since June 1995.

The lighthouse is 92,25m tall. It has one of the most powerful lights in France : you can see it 26 miles (50 km) away. The light is powered by two 650W halogen lamps . It emits 2 white lightings every 10 seconds.

The ascent of the lighthouse, which includes 247 stairs, allows a beautiful view on the island and a broad panorama on french coast from Lorient to Le Croisic.

The fog siren is located 1300m (southwest) from the lighthouse, close to the old Port-Coton radar station built by the German army during the last war. It was connected to the engine room by compressed air tube. It was producing 2 sounds every 2 minutes, but it is not in use any more.

How getting there: 

The Lighthouse is located 500 metres west of the hamlet of Kervilahouen. It is visible from most of the island.
The siren of fog is 1300m in the southwest of the lighthouse, near to the Port-Coton parking. It is visible from the old German radar station of Port-Coton

A tip to sleep: 

Camping "Le Kernest" +33 2 93 31 56 26: very nice bungalows
Communal accommodation Bangor: +33 2 97 31 89 75

Useful information: 
Open hours: 

Visit of the lighthouse
-From 3rd to 30th April: every day from 10:30am to 13:00pm and from 15:00pm to 17:15pm.
-From 5th May to 30th June: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 14:30pm to 17:30pm only.
-13-23rd May: exceptionally from 14:30pm to 17:30pm.
-From 1st July to 31st August: daily from 10:30am to 13:00pm and from 15:00pm to 17:15pm.
-From 1st September – 29th September: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 14:30pm to 17:30pm only.
-24th and 31st October: every day from 14.30pm to 17.30pm.

Visit duration: 

1 hour

Entry fees: 

Adult: 2 €
Child< 12 years : free