Phares et Balises

I apologize for the long drought of posts. I've been on travel for a month in Europe. Some of my travels took me around the Brittany Coast of France, visiting lighthouses. One of my stops was at the museum of Phares et Balises--Lighthouses and Beacons. It was an amazing place! Although everything in the museum was French, I managed to ID a few things. In this post, I'm sharing images and info on the many items the museum had on display.

The first and most stunning artifact was the historic first order lens from Cordouan Lighthouse. It was Augustin Fresnel's first lens, constructed in 1822 and installed at Cordouan in 1823. I nearly fainted when I realized what it was. Here it is, looking just like a sketch I have of it! Note the mirrors on top to reflect light down to the middle of the lens, and the tiny chariot wheels to revolve the entire lens. The revolving mechanism sits to the right of the lens. I admired it for a very long time and thought I could almost see Fresnel hard at work on it.

It was, hands down, the most exciting exhibit in the museum. 

But other items grabbed my attention and will grab yours too. Check out this huge clamshell lens--

A second order flashing lens is below. That's me with Wanda Mayo and Darlene Chisholm in the background. (We got so tanned walking to lighthouses in France.) My husband took this shot from the museum's second level.

A drum lens in a small lantern.

Clockworks to turn reflector lights.

A model of La Jument Lighthouse under construction in 1904. La Jument was made famous by Jean Guichard's photo of a huge wave smashing into it and one of the keepers in the doorway.

Models galore! Here's Cordouan Lighthouse, built for a king.

Amidee Lighthouse in New Caledonia

And much, much more! Enjoy!

Au revoir!