Brittany's Iconic Créac’h Lighthouse Faces Historic Light Replacement

Plans to replace the lighthouse's mercury-based beacon with modern technology have sparked widespread public opposition and concerns over maritime safety.

The Créac’h Lighthouse, Europe's brightest and a symbol of Brittany, is set to lose its historic mercury-based light due to health and environmental concerns.
Authorities plan to replace the 1863 beacon with a modern system, reducing its range from 59 kilometers to 35 kilometers, with just 3.7 kilometers in poor visibility.
Over 10,000 people have signed a petition opposing the change, citing risks to maritime safety in an area where 54,000 ships pass annually.
Critics argue the new system cannot replicate the unique eight-beam rotating signal of the original light, which was showcased at the 1937 Paris World Fair.
Officials have announced consultations with local communities and maritime stakeholders later this month to address cultural heritage concerns.