Le Feu de la Pointe Plate
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Le Feu de la Pointe Plate, located at the southwestern tip of Langlade island in the French archipelago of Saint Pierre and Miquelon, is a historic lighthouse built in 1899. It stands on a small plateau peninsula called Pointe Plate, rising a few meters above sea level. The lighthouse features a cylindrical steel tower supported by four legs, clad in concrete for protection against the harsh maritime environment. Its white-painted structure with a red top houses the lantern and the former keeper's watch room accessible by a circular gallery. Originally constructed to replace a previous lighthouse destroyed by fire in 1894, it was electrified in 1954 and automated in 1968, after which the keeper buildings were abandoned. The site once included a generator building and housing for lighthouse keepers and their families, with supplies transported by small boats and rails from the shore. Le Feu de la Pointe Plate is not only a vital navigational aid near the Grand Banks but also a cultural monument, officially protected since 2012. The lighthouse is accessible by a walking path along Langlade's western coast, about 15 kilometers from the island's inhabited area. It symbolizes the maritime heritage of this remote French territory in the North Atlantic and has been featured on local postage stamps, underscoring its iconic status.
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Tip: Visitors aiming to explore Le Feu de la Pointe Plate should plan for a hike of approximately 15 kilometers from Langlade’s only inhabited area, Anse du Gouvernement, along a coastal trail. The best time to visit is during the summer months when weather conditions are milder and the path is more accessible. Since the lighthouse is in a remote location with no visitor facilities, bring adequate supplies and footwear suitable for rugged terrain. There are no ticket requirements or entrance fees, but visitors should respect the protected status of the site. Booking is not necessary, but checking local weather forecasts beforehand is advisable to ensure safe access.
Interesting facts
- •Le Feu de la Pointe Plate is one of the oldest surviving lighthouses built in former French colonies, alongside the Cap-Blanc lighthouse.
- •The lighthouse was featured on postage stamps issued by Saint Pierre and Miquelon in 1992 and 2016.
- •Supplies to the lighthouse were historically delivered by small boats called doris and transported up rails from the shore to the structure.
- •The lighthouse's steel framework is covered with a concrete jacket added in 1928 to prevent corrosion caused by the harsh maritime climate.
History
The original lighthouse at Pointe Plate was destroyed by fire in 1894, prompting the construction of the current structure in 1899 by contractor François Thélot.
In 1928, a concrete casing was added to protect the steel framework from corrosion.
The lighthouse was electrified in 1954 with a dedicated generator and a large fuel tank.
Automation followed in 1968, leading to the abandonment of keeper residences.
Recognizing its historical and architectural significance, Le Feu de la Pointe Plate was designated a protected historic monument in 2012.
Place Guide
The Lighthouse Tower1899
A cylindrical steel tower supported by four legs and clad in concrete, painted white with a red lantern room. It houses the original lantern and the former keeper's watch room accessible via a circular gallery.
Keeper Residences and Generator Building (Foundations Only)Early 20th century
Originally, the site included buildings for the lighthouse keepers and their families and a generator building that powered the light after electrification. These buildings were abandoned after automation, with only foundations remaining today.