# Plogoff

> commune in Finistère, France

**Wikidata**: [Q390901](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q390901)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plogoff)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/plogoff

## Summary
Plogoff is a commune in the Finistère department of France, located in the westernmost part of Brittany. This small coastal municipality, with a population of around 1,229 as of recent counts, is situated within the arrondissement of Quimper and is part of the Communauté de communes Cap Sizun - Pointe du Raz. Known for its scenic location near Cap Sizun, Plogoff also gained historical significance due to the controversial canceled nuclear power project in the late 20th century.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: Commune of France, a territorial subdivision for municipalities established in 1789.
- **Location**: Situated in Finistère, a department in Brittany, France, created on March 4, 1790.
- **Administrative Divisions**: Part of the arrondissement of Quimper and formerly within the canton of Pont-Croix (until March 2015).
- **Community Affiliation**: Member of the Communauté de communes Cap Sizun - Pointe du Raz, established on December 17, 1993, with headquarters in Pont-Croix.
- **Population Trends**: Recorded populations include 1,245 (recent), 1,229 (multiple years), down from a peak of 2,547 historically, with other counts at 2,359, 2,131, 1,902, 1,563, 1,410, 1,300, 1,230, 1,201, 1,166, and 1,131 over various periods.
- **Geographic Coordinates**: Latitude 48.036666666667, Longitude -4.6658333333333.
- **Notable Landmarks**: Home to Vieille Light, a lighthouse built in 1882, and Tourelle de la Plate, a light beacon constructed in 1911, both in Finistère.
- **Geographic Feature**: Near Cap Sizun, a prominent cape in France.
- **Historical Event**: Site of the canceled Plogoff nuclear power project, a significant and controversial proposal in Brittany, France.
- **Official Website**: https://plogoff.fr/
- **Wikipedia Presence**: Titled "Plogoff" with a Wikidata description as a commune in Finistère, France, and a sitelink count of 48.

## FAQs
**Where is Plogoff located, and what is its administrative status?**  
Plogoff is a commune in the Finistère department, in the Brittany region of western France. It falls within the arrondissement of Quimper and was historically part of the canton of Pont-Croix until 2015. Today, it belongs to the Communauté de communes Cap Sizun - Pointe du Raz.

**What are some notable landmarks or features in Plogoff?**  
Plogoff is home to the Vieille Light, a historic lighthouse erected in 1882, and the Tourelle de la Plate, a light beacon built in 1911. Additionally, it is close to Cap Sizun, a striking coastal cape that defines the area's rugged beauty. These landmarks highlight the commune’s maritime significance.

**What is the significance of the Plogoff nuclear power project?**  
The Plogoff nuclear power project was a proposed nuclear plant in Brittany that became a focal point of intense local and national opposition in the late 20th century. Though ultimately canceled, it marked a pivotal moment in France’s environmental and energy policy debates. The controversy underscored the community’s resistance to industrial projects threatening their way of life.

**How has Plogoff’s population changed over time?**  
Plogoff’s population has seen a significant decline from a high of 2,547 in earlier records to around 1,229 in recent years. Historical data shows fluctuations with counts like 2,359, 1,902, and 1,410 at various points. This trend reflects broader rural depopulation patterns in parts of France.

**What is the role of the Communauté de communes Cap Sizun - Pointe du Raz in Plogoff?**  
This intercommunal structure, formed in 1993, includes Plogoff and supports regional cooperation on local governance, economic development, and public services. Headquartered in Pont-Croix, it helps coordinate efforts across the Cap Sizun area. Plogoff benefits from shared resources and planning through this affiliation.

## Why It Matters
Plogoff holds a unique place in both the cultural and historical landscape of Brittany, France, embodying the resilience and identity of a small coastal community. Its location near Cap Sizun offers not just scenic beauty but also a connection to the maritime heritage of Finistère, drawing attention to the importance of preserving such environments. The commune’s resistance to the nuclear power project in the late 20th century became a symbol of grassroots activism, influencing broader discussions on energy policy and environmental protection in France. This event highlighted how even small municipalities can impact national debates, showcasing the power of local voices in shaping industrial and ecological decisions. Furthermore, Plogoff’s integration into the Communauté de communes Cap Sizun - Pointe du Raz underscores the value of regional collaboration in sustaining rural areas facing depopulation and economic challenges. Its story is a microcosm of the tension between progress and preservation, making it a relevant case study for understanding rural dynamics in modern Europe.

## Notable For
- **Nuclear Controversy**: Gained national attention for the canceled Plogoff nuclear power project, a rare instance of successful community opposition to a major industrial initiative in France.
- **Maritime Heritage**: Hosts significant navigational aids like the Vieille Light (built 1882) and Tourelle de la Plate (built 1911), critical for safety along the rugged Brittany coast.
- **Scenic Location**: Positioned near Cap Sizun, a dramatic cape that enhances its appeal as a site of natural beauty in western France.
- **Historical Population Decline**: Reflects a notable demographic shift, with population dropping from over 2,500 historically to around 1,229, illustrating rural challenges.
- **Community Collaboration**: Active member of the Communauté de communes Cap Sizun - Pointe du Raz since 1993, contributing to regional unity and development.

## Body

### Geographic Location and Features
Plogoff is a commune located in the Finistère department, in the Brittany region of western France. Its geographic coordinates are latitude 48.036666666667 and longitude -4.6658333333333, placing it at the western edge of the country near the Atlantic Ocean. The commune is closely associated with Cap Sizun, a prominent cape known for its dramatic cliffs and coastal vistas, which defines much of the area’s natural character. This location not only offers scenic beauty but also positions Plogoff as a key point along Brittany’s rugged shoreline, steeped in maritime tradition.

### Administrative Structure and Affiliations
As a commune of France, Plogoff operates under a territorial subdivision system established in 1789, reflecting the country’s long-standing municipal framework. It resides within Finistère, a department created on March 4, 1790, and falls under the arrondissement of Quimper, an administrative division of the department. Historically, Plogoff was part of the canton of Pont-Croix until March 2015, when administrative boundaries shifted. Currently, it is a member of the Communauté de communes Cap Sizun - Pointe du Raz, an intercommunal organization founded on December 17, 1993, with its headquarters in Pont-Croix. This affiliation fosters collaboration on local governance, infrastructure, and economic initiatives across the region, supporting Plogoff’s integration into broader community efforts.

### Population and Demographic Trends
Plogoff’s population has undergone significant changes over time, indicative of broader rural depopulation trends in France. Historical records show a peak of 2,547 residents, with subsequent declines to 2,359, 2,131, 1,902, 1,563, 1,410, 1,300, and multiple counts around 1,230. More recent figures include 1,245, 1,229 (recorded multiple times), 1,201, 1,166, and 1,131. This downward trajectory highlights challenges faced by small rural communes, such as limited economic opportunities and migration to urban centers, shaping the community’s current social fabric.

### Historical Significance and the Nuclear Power Project
One of Plogoff’s most defining historical moments is tied to the canceled nuclear power project proposed for the area in the late 20th century. Known as the Plogoff nuclear power project, this initiative aimed to establish a nuclear plant in Brittany but faced fierce opposition from local residents and environmental activists. The prolonged protests and community resistance ultimately led to the project’s cancellation, marking a significant victory for grassroots movements in France. This event not only shaped Plogoff’s identity but also contributed to national conversations about energy policy, environmental impact, and the rights of local communities to influence industrial developments in their regions.

### Maritime Landmarks and Infrastructure
Plogoff is home to two notable maritime structures that underscore its coastal importance. The Vieille Light, a lighthouse constructed in 1882, stands as a historic beacon guiding ships along the treacherous waters of Finistère. Similarly, the Tourelle de la Plate, a light beacon built in 1911, serves as another critical navigational aid in the region. These structures highlight Plogoff’s role in ensuring maritime safety and preserving the area’s seafaring heritage, connecting the commune to the broader narrative of Brittany’s relationship with the sea.

### Digital Presence and Accessibility
Plogoff maintains an official online presence through its website, https://plogoff.fr/, providing residents and visitors with access to local information, services, and updates. Additionally, it is well-documented on platforms like Wikipedia under the title "Plogoff," with a Wikidata description identifying it as a commune in Finistère, France. Its digital footprint is further evidenced by a sitelink count of 48, reflecting a moderate level of online visibility and interest in the commune’s profile.

### Connection to Broader French Context
As part of France, Plogoff is embedded within a nation of significant global influence, with a history dating back to the Treaty of Verdun in 843, which established West Francia. France’s broader context includes its role as a semi-presidential republic, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, and a founding member of the European Union. While Plogoff itself operates on a local scale, its administrative ties to Finistère and Brittany connect it to these larger national and international frameworks, illustrating how even small communes contribute to the fabric of a country with a population of over 68 million (as of 2025 estimates) and a GDP of $2.78 trillion USD (2022).

## References

1. French National Directory of Representatives
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
5. INSEE code
6. [Source](http://mnesys-viewer.archives-finistere.fr/accounts/mnesys_cg29/datas/medias/collections/edepot_pdf/EDEPOT_Plogoff.pdf)
7. répertoire géographique des communes
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. Annuaire de service-public.fr
10. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
11. Populations légales 2016
12. Populations légales 2017
13. Populations légales 2018
14. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
15. Populations légales 2019
16. Populations légales 2020
17. Populations légales 2021
18. Populations de référence 2022
19. Populations de référence 2023
20. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
21. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
22. [Source](https://www.habitants.fr/plogoff)
23. GeoNames
24. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
25. [2016](https://data.geopf.fr/telechargement/download/GEOFLA/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28.7z)
26. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
27. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File