Behind the Eckmühl lighthouse stands an immaculate white tower flying the French flag. We are at the Penmarc'h semaphore, a military site belonging to the French Navy, one of 59 coastal surveillance posts currently in operation in France. To reach the top, 21 metres above sea level, you have to climb a narrow staircase, but the effort is rewarding: the watch room, where the soldiers, still known as lookouts, scan the horizon, is an impressive place. Its large picture windows offer a magical view of the coast and sea from an unprecedented angle.
The staff take it in turns, day and night, in groups of three, to carry out both civilian and military surveillance missions. Through its optical and listening watch role, the semaphore helps to save human life, under the responsibility of the Cross rescue centres. It also regulates maritime traffic by tracking the positions of all commercial and fishing vessels in real time.
The staff take it in turns, day and night, in groups of three, to carry out both civilian and military surveillance missions. Through its optical and listening watch role, the semaphore helps to save human life, under the responsibility of the Cross rescue centres. It also regulates maritime traffic by tracking the positions of all commercial and fishing vessels in real time.
