Mayak Ar-Men: it was built for 15 years, and the caretakers called the place of their work hell

The Ar-Men lighthouse was decided to be built, like most lighthouses, after a major shipwreck. In September 1859, the frigate "Sane" crashed against the rocks of the reef de Seine, off the western coast of France. At that time two lighthouses were already built in this insidious place. But in conditions of a storm or poor visibility, their light was not enough, therefore seamen were regularly exposed to risk. After the collapse of the frigate "Sane" special commission, which took decisions on the construction of lighthouses, made a positive verdict.

But problems with the future beacon arose at the stage of choosing a land plot for construction. The only suitable place was the small rock Ar-Men, towering above the calm water at low tide just 4 meters. During the preliminary survey of the water area, several expeditions visited this piece of land and each time it was reported that there were no suitable conditions for the construction of the lighthouse. But there was no alternative: the lighthouse was vital. Therefore, in the most difficult conditions in 1867, preparatory work began.

The groups of workers worked in small shifts, with insurance and in special footwear, which allowed them to stay on wet rocks. In this area, there is almost never a calm sea: the constant wind and waves made the work of the builders simply unbearable. For two years, preparatory work was carried out on the rock, drilling pits and installing reinforcement. Then the construction of the site for the lighthouse began. The workers laid the granite blocks and poured a concrete foundation.

Construction in total lasted 15 years, and engineers until the last doubted the success of this venture. The fact is that the rock was too small in area, and the base of the lighthouse is only a little narrower than the diameter of the rocky ledge. But, thanks to the incredible tenacity and titanic efforts of the builders, the lighthouse was built and in 1881 gave the first signal.

The height of the lighthouse Ar-Men was 37 meters. Among the employees who worked as caretakers of lighthouses, Ar-Men immediately acquired a notorious reputation. Because of the constant storms, during which the waves covered the lighthouse with a head, and the difficulties with delivery, the lighthouse received the nickname "adov hell".

Since 1990, caretakers have not been serving at the Ar-Men lighthouse. The building was electrified, and every 20 seconds the beacon sends a light signal in automatic mode. Its walls have darkened due to constant contact with salty sea water, but it is still in the ranks. This majestic structure, the construction of which seemed incredible, still preserves ships passing near the French coast.