Phare de l'Ile Vierge

Tallest lighthouse in Europe

Picture 1 Phare de l'Ile Vierge Picture 2 Phare de l'Ile Vierge Picture 3 Phare de l'Ile Vierge Picture 4 Phare de l'Ile Vierge Picture 5 Phare de l'Ile Vierge

The countless rocks off Brittany’s coasts look stunning, but they’ve long been lethal to shipping, no more so than at the French entrance to the Channel, around northwest Finistère. To warn of danger, staggering lighthouses went up, the most remarkable being the Phare de l’Île Vierge, the tallest in Europe.

Blinding you with facts and figures

It was in the 19th century that engineers really got to grips with the great challenge of making Brittany’s fearsome coasts safer by the building a string of vast lighthouses with powerful beams. The Phare de l’Île Vierge went up relatively late, around the start of the 20th century, but was still a technical feat. It rockets over 80 metres skywards, making it visible far along the coast. Although two lighthousemen still remain on the island, the beam is now regulated from Brest and can reach over 50km, making it one of the most powerful in the world, but the second in Brittany after Le Créac’h on Ouessant.

The boat trip out

Once signed up for the trip to the Phare de l’Île Vierge, head west of Plouguerneau for Perroz, a delightful, tiny port located down the well-protected estuary of L’Aber Wrac’h. A boat takes you to your destination, weaving its way around an assault course of rocks. One island you pass was fortified against the English during the Ancien Régime. Another is known as the 'Americans’ island' because the US air force built a base here towards the end of the First World War for seaplanes to use, although it never went into full service. On rare days when the tides are exceptionally low, you can actually walk out to the lighthouse; the boat company then organises guided tours for your safety.

A testing climb

As you approach, the staggering height of the Phare de l’Île Vierge becomes fully apparent. It takes more steps than there are days of the year to reach the top. The snail of a staircase clings to the walls lined with opaline tiles, which help prevent condensation. There are window bays in which to pause for a rest and to admire the views. At the top, the views of the reefs and bays of the north Finistère coast are breathtaking.

Did you know?

If you get a taste for climbing Breton lighthouses,there are several more to conquer not far off, around the northFinistère coast. Try those of L’Île Vrach, Trézien or the PointeSt-Mathieu.

Useful links

Abers tourist office