Île aux Moines Lighthouse, Sept-Îles: visit, history and practical information

The only lighthouse in the Sept-Îles archipelago, 20 m high, rebuilt after 1944 and reached only by boat, on the only island where landing is allowed.

Suggested time: 2 hours to half a day.
Type of place: Lighthouse
Atmosphere: Wild, full of birds and island.
Getting there: Only by boat from Perros-Guirec or with an authorised operator.

Who this place suits

With family: 8/10
As a couple: 10/10
With friends: 9/10
Solo: 8/10
With a dog: 3/10
Reduced mobility: 3/10

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 Île aux Moines lighthouse is the only lighthouse in the Sept-Îles. A first light was lit in 1835, then a taller square tower was added in 1854. Destroyed on 4 August 1944, it was rebuilt after the war and relit in July 1952. It is 20 m high and its range is given as 24 miles. The lighthouse cannot be visited, but the Île aux Moines is the only one of the Sept-Îles where landing is allowed, on some boat trips. The archipelago has been a bird reserve since 1912.

What you will see

Town: Perros-Guirec, Côtes-d’Armor.
Status: in service.
Visits: the lighthouse cannot be visited; the island can be explored on some boat trips.
Height: 20 m.
Range: 24 nautical miles, about 44 km.
Light: flashing white light.

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First light in 1835; a taller square tower added in 1854.
Destroyed on 4 August 1944; relit in July 1952.
The archipelago has been a bird reserve since 1912.
With children: yes, depending on age and sea conditions.

Practical information

Public transport: A boat is required.
Services: On the boat and in Perros-Guirec
Parking: Park in Perros-Guirec
Accessibility: Depends on the operator and the landing
Best time: Good visibility and a calm sea
Photography: Very striking with the lighthouse, the fort and the birds
Prices: A boat trip is required
Nearby: The Sept-Îles nature reserve, Perros-Guirec, Ploumanac’h

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.
Choose a boat trip that explicitly includes a landing.
Follow the nature reserve’s rules once ashore.

Frequently asked questions

Where is this lighthouse?

On the Île aux Moines, in the Sept-Îles archipelago off Perros-Guirec, Côtes-d’Armor.

Can I visit the lighthouse?

No, but the island can be explored on some boat trips.

How high is it?

20 m, with a range of 24 nautical miles (about 44 km).

When was it built?

A first light in 1835; rebuilt after 1944 and relit in July 1952.

Do I need to book?

Booking a boat trip is strongly recommended.

How much time should I allow?

2 hours to half a day.

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