Don't worry, we are almost through with these rock lights that are almost out of sight. But we have to have a post on Les P-N as this one has been off and on, a favourite – because it looks tough, is remote and takes big seas. And I have a larger Héron print of it on the wall, found in a shop in Pont Aven. It has often been Héron's flagship light when promoting his work. You can even buy silk scarves with Les Pierres Noires printed thereupon– but not cheaply, you understand.
Les Pierres Noires was first lit in 1872 and is a Monument Historique. It gives out a red flash every five seconds, with a range of 19 nautical miles, which is a long way for a red light. The tower is 28 metres or 92ft tall with lantern, gallery, and keepers' quarters. It has a fog warning giving two blasts every 60 seconds. Les PN is on a rocky islet about nine kilometres or 5.5 miles west of Pointe St.–Mathieu and eight kilometres (5 miles) southeast of Île Molène. The Lighthouse Directory says that there is only a very distant view from shore (true) but that there is a closer view from the ferries to the Île d'Ouessant.
They have to be kidding! Who told them that? Or does the ferry go that way sometimes? As you see right, Pierre Noires is a l o n g way from Ouessant!
Anyway I will leave you with the feu just off the above mentioned Île Molène which the Ouessant boat usually calls at on the way. This feu (and it is a feu, not a phare) is called Les Trois Pierres. Can you see Les Pierres Noires in the background? No, neither can I, because Les Pierres Noires is not in this view!
Elevation of the light and the print below the snap, is by JBH, as ever. The model of the light was a gift from a colleague who needed to keep me sweet.
Elevation of the light and the print below the snap, is by JBH, as ever. The model of the light was a gift from a colleague who needed to keep me sweet.
