On the lighthouse route in Finistère

The treasures of the Breton coast

Take advantage of your stay at our hotel in Brest, the Best Western Plus Europe****, to discover the lighthouses. It is well known that the Breton coastline has the largest number of lighthouses in the world, with a large concentration in Finistère.

We suggest you discover four of them, which are worth a visit. From the top of these lighthouses, admire exceptional panoramas of the ocean.
 

Virgin Island lighthouse in Plouguerneau

A real jewel in the Pays des Abers, the lighthouse of Ile Vierge is the highest lighthouse in Europe and the world made of cut stone. A spiral staircase of 365 steps will lead you to the top. Although the climb may seem long, the view from up there is breathtaking! From the top of its 82.5 metres, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Abers region.

• Open: April to October

 

Saint-Mathieu lighthouse in Plougonvelin

Discover this place of history and memory, which runs alongside the GR®34. At the Pointe Saint-Mathieu you will find :

• the lighthouse built in 1835 and its ancestor from the 11th century
• the ruins of an ancient abbey, founded in the 11th century
• the abbey museum
• the National Memorial to sailors lost at sea
• the semaphore

Located in the westernmost part of France and classified as a historical monument, the Saint-Mathieu lighthouse is a symbol for all sailors in Brittany. Its lantern, with a range of 45km, symbolises the way to the Brest Narrows. Climb the 163 steps to the top, 37 metres high, and admire the splendid view, on a calm day, of the Pointe du Raz and the island of Ushant.

• Open: all year round

 

Stiff lighthouse in Ushant

Lit in 1700, the Stiff lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in France still in operation. It consists of two towers, one for the lantern and the other for the stairs. A museum trail invites you to discover its history.

• Open: April to September

 

Trézien lighthouse in Plouarzel

Located 500 metres from the shore, the Trézien lighthouse was built in 1894 in granite. After climbing its 182 steps and from the top of its 37 metres, observe the magnificent panorama, from the Saint-Mathieu lighthouse to the Four lighthouse, not forgetting the Molène archipelago and the island of Ouessant.

• Open: April to September

 

Petit Minou lighthouse in Plouzané

Located on a huge rock protruding into the sea, the Petit Minou lighthouse is an emblematic lighthouse of Brest. Completed in 1848, it was built in ashlar and its role was to secure the entrance to the Brest harbour.
At 26 metres high, it has a range of 35km (= 19 miles) and has been automated since 1989. A pretty stone bridge allows you to access the lighthouse on foot.

• Open: July and August

 

Pontusval Lighthouse in Brignogan

Built between 1865 and 1869, the Pontusval lighthouse is located on the tip of Beg-Pol at 18.3 metres above sea level. At 14.5 metres high, it serves as a relay between the Île Vierge lighthouse and the Île de Batz lighthouse. It has also been classified as a historical monument since 2011.
The lighthouse is private and not open to visitors. However, you can approach it and admire the view of the building, the coast and the fine sandy beaches.