 Lighthouse Ar Men in 2011 | |
 | |
| Location | Off Île de Sein, Brittany, France |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 48°3′0″N 4°59′54″W / 48.05000°N 4.99833°W[1] |
| Tower | |
| Constructed | 1867 |
| Construction | granite tower |
| Automated | 1990 |
| Height | 32 m (105 ft) |
| Shape | cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern enclose keeper's quarter |
| Markings | white upper tower, unpainted lower tower and balcony, black lantern |
| Operator | Marine Nationale |
| Heritage | classified historical monument  |
| Light | |
| First lit | 1881 |
| Focal height | 37 m (121 ft) |
| Range | 23.5 nautical miles (43.5 km; 27.0 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl (3) W 20s |
| France no. | FR-0694[2] |
Ar Men ("the rock" in Breton) is a lighthouse at one end of the Chaussée de l'Île de Sein, at the west end of Brittany. It shares its name with the rock on which it was erected between 1867 and 1881. It is a listed monument since 2017.[3]
Ar Men is one of the best known lighthouses because of its isolated situation and the considerable difficulties its construction has presented, and the danger in evacuating its personnel. Considered one of the most challenging workplaces by the community of lighthouse keepers, it has been named "The Hell of Hells" because of the severe conditions and exposure to the Atlantic.
- ^ Geographic coordinates obtained from World Lighthouse On The Air (consult the list).
- ^ Rowlett, Russ. "Lighthouses of Brittany: Southern Finistère". The Lighthouse Directory. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
- ^ Base Mérimée: Phare d'Ar-Men, Ministère français de la Culture. (in French)