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Île de Batz Lighthouse

Île de Batz · Finistère

Lighthouse

Île de Batz Lighthouse

Île de Batz · Finistère

A 44 m lighthouse built in 1836, with 198 steps, an exhibition and an exceptional view over the island, Roscoff and the north coast of Finistère.

Suggested time
At least 2 h including the crossing; half a day recommended.
Type of place
Lighthouse
Atmosphere
Island, educational and panoramic.
Getting there
Boat from Roscoff, then on foot or by bike.

Who this place suits

With family
9/10
As a couple
10/10
With friends
9/10
Solo
9/10
With a dog
5/10
Reduced mobility
4/10

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 de Batz lighthouse has stood on the west of the island since 1836. At 44 m high, it has 198 steps and offers a vast panorama over the island, the channel and the mainland coast. An exhibition, opened in 2018, is housed in the former keepers’ quarters. The lighthouse opens according to a seasonal calendar, with night visits on some dates and bookings for groups. It was built as part of the programme of great landfall lighthouses that followed Fresnel’s work.

What you will see

  • Town: Île-de-Batz.
  • Department: Finistère.
  • Visits: open according to seasonal opening times.
  • Built: 1836.
  • Height: 44 m.
  • Steps: 198.
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  • Exhibition: opened in 2018 in the former keepers’ quarters.
  • Groups: visits on booking.
  • History: built as part of the programme of great landfall lighthouses that followed Fresnel’s work.
  • With children: yes, but allow for the 198 steps.

Practical information

Public transport
Boat from Roscoff, then on foot or by bike.
Services
Exhibition, reception and services on the island
Parking
Park in Roscoff before the crossing
Accessibility
The top cannot be reached without stairs
Best time
A clear day or a night visit
Photography
A remarkable panorama over the island and the mainland
Prices
€6 adults, €3 children, family pass €12; night visit €12 adults and €10 children
Nearby
The Georges Delaselle garden, the Trou du Serpent, Roscoff

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.
Show 8 more tips
  • 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.
  • Check the opening calendar before taking the boat.
  • Combine the lighthouse with the Georges Delaselle garden.
  • Hire a bike in Roscoff or on the island to get there more quickly.

Frequently asked questions

Can I visit the Île de Batz lighthouse?

Yes, according to a seasonal calendar; check the dates before taking the boat.

How many steps are there?

198 steps to the top of the 44 m tower.

How much does it cost?

€6 for adults, €3 for children, a family pass at €12; night visits cost €12 for adults and €10 for children.

How do I get there?

By boat from Roscoff, then on foot or by bike across the island.

How much time should I allow?

At least 2 hours with the crossing; half a day is recommended.

Stay in Île de Batz

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Photographs: Thesupermat · CC BY-SA 2.5 · Wikimedia Commons · Gabriel from92 · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons · Christian Duprez · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons