Lighthouse
Old Cap Fréhel Lighthouse, Tour Vauban
Plévenon · Côtes-d’Armor
A beacon tower from 1702, considered the oldest lighthouse in Brittany, next to the modern Cap Fréhel lighthouse.
- Suggested time
- 30 to 60 minutes, longer with the headland.
- Type of place
- Lighthouse
- Atmosphere
- Historic, mineral and very exposed.
- Getting there
- Via the Cap Fréhel site, the D34, the Vélomaritime or the customs officers’ path.
Who this place suits
- With family
- 8/10
- As a couple
- 10/10
- With friends
- 9/10
- Solo
- 8/10
- With a dog
- 7/10
- Reduced mobility
- 8/10
These scores are calculated from what the page records: official rating, facilities, difficulty, duration and location. They are a guide, not a substitute for contacting the venue, especially about accessibility.
About
The old Cap Fréhel lighthouse is the Tour Vauban, dated 1702. Long before the modern lighthouse seen today, this beacon tower already marked the headland and also served as a lookout post. Official tourist sources present it as the oldest lighthouse in Brittany. It is mainly seen from the outside, as part of the Grand Site de France Cap d’Erquy - Cap Fréhel. The neighbouring modern lighthouse dates from 1950.
What you will see
- Town: Plévenon, Côtes-d’Armor.
- Status: an old lighthouse, no longer used as the main light.
- Visits: outside only; not to be confused with the visit of the modern lighthouse next door.
- Built in 1702.
- Considered the oldest lighthouse in Brittany by official tourist sources.
- It also served as a maritime lookout post.
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- The neighbouring modern lighthouse dates from 1950.
- With children: yes, with care near the cliffs.
Practical information
- Public transport
- By car, bike or on foot.
- Services
- Toilets and reception depending on the season
- Opening
- The surroundings are accessible all year
- Parking
- Cap Fréhel car park, paid.
- Accessibility
- Accessible parking spaces and access to the area are documented
- Best time
- Morning or late afternoon
- Photography
- Excellent with the heath and the modern lighthouse
- Prices
- Free to see from outside; the Cap Fréhel car park was paid in 2026, €3 for a car and €5 for a motorhome
- Nearby
- The modern Cap Fréhel lighthouse, Fort La Latte, the Cap Fréhel heathland
Tips on the spot
- Check the visit status on the day before you travel, and do not confuse access to the site, the foot of the lighthouse and the inside of the tower.
- For a lighthouse open to visitors, check the time of the last climb, not just the closing time.
- For a lighthouse at sea, only watch it from a boat run by a professional or from a safe viewpoint on land.
- Bring a windproof layer, even in summer; stairs and galleries can be slippery with rain or spray.
- With children, check the number of steps and any minimum age; with vertigo, the climb to the gallery is not for everyone.
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- Working lighthouses are maritime safety equipment: respect all restricted technical areas.
- For photos, use a wide angle at the foot of the lighthouse and a telephoto lens for lighthouses seen from a distance.
- On an island, check the last boat back before starting the visit.
- On cliffs, stay behind the barriers and on the paths; keep dogs on a lead in nature reserves.
- Visits can be cancelled at the last minute for safety reasons.
- Compare the Tour Vauban with the modern lighthouse of 1950.
- Combine it with a walk to Fort La Latte along the coastal path.
Frequently asked questions
Where is this lighthouse?
In Plévenon, Côtes-d’Armor, at Cap Fréhel.
Can I visit it?
Only from the outside; do not confuse it with the visit of the modern lighthouse next door.
When was it built?
The tower dates from 1702.
Is it free?
Viewing from outside is free; the Cap Fréhel car park was €3 for a car and €5 for a motorhome in 2026.
Can I come with a dog?
Yes, on a lead, according to the Grand Site rules.
How much time should I allow?
30 to 60 minutes, longer with the headland.
Stay in Plévenon
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Read in the journal
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