Lighthouse
Île Vierge Lighthouse
Plouguerneau · Finistère
The tallest lighthouse in Europe and the tallest cut-stone lighthouse in the world, 82.50 m and 397 steps, closed to climbing in 2026 for restoration.
- Suggested time
- 2 hours to half a day, depending on the option.
- Type of place
- Lighthouse
- Atmosphere
- Monumental, island and exceptional.
- Getting there
- By boat from Castel Ac’h or L’Aber Wrac’h. No organised access on foot in 2026.
Who this place suits
- With family
- 7/10
- As a couple
- 10/10
- With friends
- 9/10
- Solo
- 8/10
- With a dog
- 3/10
- Reduced mobility
- 5/10
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 Vierge lighthouse is one of Brittany’s major maritime monuments. Built between 1897 and 1902 about 1.5 km off the coast of Plouguerneau, it rises to 82.50 m and has 397 steps according to the official operators. In 2026, the climb is exceptionally closed for the restoration of the watch room, the lantern and the upper section. This year, the island can only be reached by boat, with exhibitions, guided tours and a virtual tour.
What you will see
- Status: an iconic lighthouse under partial restoration; the island can be visited on boat trips.
- Visit: the climb up the great lighthouse is closed for the whole of 2026. Visits to the island and the small lighthouse are possible depending on the offer.
- Construction: built between 1897 and 1902, lit in October 1902.
- Height: 82.50 m, with 397 steps according to the official operators.
- Range: nearly 50 km according to tourist information; an active maritime light.
- It is described as the tallest lighthouse in Europe and the tallest cut-stone lighthouse in the world.
Show 2 more pointsHide
- Both lighthouses are listed as historic monuments; the great lighthouse was built to strengthen the lighting of the Abers coast, next to a first lighthouse from 1845, which can be visited on some offers.
- Children: yes, some visits recommended from age 7.
Practical information
- Public transport
- A boat is required in 2026.
- Services
- Toilets, exhibition, shop and drinks depending on the period
- Opening
- The island can be reached by boat depending on tides and trips; the great lighthouse is closed to climbing all of 2026
- Parking
- Parking at Castel Ac’h or at the departure harbour.
- Accessibility
- The great lighthouse cannot be climbed; a virtual tour is available as an alternative.
- Best time
- A clear day with a calm sea.
- Photography
- An extremely photogenic monument
- Prices
- Depending on the boat and the visit chosen
- Nearby
- The small Île Vierge lighthouse, Castel Ac’h, L’Aber Wrac’h, Île Wrac’h
Tips on the spot
- Book your boat trip in advance and check the times, which depend on the tides.
- Check the sea conditions before setting off.
- Bring a windproof layer and water: the island is exposed.
- If the climb is important to you, wait until it reopens after the restoration; in 2026, the virtual tour is the alternative.
- With young children, check the minimum recommended age for each visit.
Show 1 more tipHide
- A telephoto lens is useful to photograph the lighthouse from the coast.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of lighthouse is it?
A great cut-stone island lighthouse.
Is the lighthouse still in service?
Yes, it is an active light, currently under partial restoration; the island can be visited on boat trips.
Can you visit the lighthouse?
The climb up the great lighthouse is closed for the whole of 2026. Visits to the island and the small lighthouse are possible depending on the offer.
How tall is it?
82.50 m.
How many steps are there?
397 steps according to the official operators.
How far can its light be seen?
Nearly 50 km according to tourist information.
Stay in Plouguerneau
Places to stay that are still available, with current prices, compared across the main booking platforms.
Partner link: a booking made from this map may earn us a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Read in the journal
- DepartmentWhat to do in FinistèreThe tip of Brittany, from the Pays des Abers to the Bay of Concarneau: lighthouses, coves and towns of character.
- ChristmasWhat to do in Finistère during the Christmas holidaysChristmas at Trévarez, the Quimper Christmas village, Locronan lit up, Océanopolis and wild headlands: our ideas for the 2026 Christmas holidays in Finistère.
- SeasonWhat to do in Finistère during the All Saints’ holidaysThe Pointe du Raz, Océanopolis, the Huelgoat forest, spring tides and the legends of the Monts d’Arrée: our ideas for All Saints’ 2026 in Finistère.
Traveller reviews
Nobody has reviewed this place yet.
Photograph: JensKunstfreund · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons