Ar-Men Lighthouse: visit, history and practical information

A legendary lighthouse out at sea, built on the Chaussée de Sein between 1867 and 1881, 37 m high and listed as a historic monument.

Suggested time: Depends on the boat trip.
Type of place: Lighthouse
Atmosphere: Extreme, isolated and legendary.
Getting there: A lighthouse out at sea, with no public visits. Seen from the sea or from the Île de Sein, depending on visibility.

Who this place suits

With family: 2/10
As a couple: 10/10
With friends: 9/10
Solo: 8/10
With a dog: 1/10
Reduced mobility: 1/10

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

Ar-Men stands on a tiny rock at the western end of the Chaussée de Sein reef. Work began after the first landing on the rock in April 1867 and ended with the light coming into service in 1881. The maritime authority (DIRM) gives a total height of 37 m and a range of 21 nautical miles. Automated in 1990, it has been listed as a historic monument since 2017.

What you will see

Status: working, automated lighthouse.
Construction: 1867 to 1881, in service in August 1881.
Height: 37 m.
Range: 21 nautical miles.
Light: 3 white flashes every 20 seconds.
Children: can be seen by boat depending on age and sea conditions.

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History: a major technical feat on a rock battered by the waves of the Chaussée de Sein.
Ar-Men means “the stone” in Breton.
Paul Joly first set foot on the rock in April 1867.
Automated in 1990, listed as a historic monument since 2017.

Practical information

Public transport: A boat is required.
Services: None at the lighthouse; no public access inside
Parking: Not applicable at the lighthouse.
Accessibility: No public access to the lighthouse.
Best time: A calm sea and good visibility.
Photography: An extremely photogenic lighthouse
Prices: No visits; boat trips are paid
Nearby: The Île de Sein, the Chaussée de Sein, the Pointe du Raz

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 calm sea and good visibility for a boat trip.
A telephoto lens is essential to photograph it from the Île de Sein.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of lighthouse is it?

A lighthouse out at sea.

Is the lighthouse still in service?

Yes, it is a working, automated lighthouse.

How tall is it?

37 m.

Can you go inside?

No, there is no public access.

How far can its light be seen?

21 nautical miles.

What is the light’s pattern?

3 white flashes every 20 seconds.

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Photographs: Jocelyn Caron · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons · Gzen92 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons