Saint-Mathieu Lighthouse, Plougonvelin: lighthouse in Brittany

A 37 m tower lit in 1835, 163 steps, a white flash every 15 seconds and an exceptional view over the Iroise Sea, among the ruins of the abbey.

Suggested time: 1 h 30 to 3 h, more with the memorial and a stretch of the GR34
Type of place: Major lighthouse open to visitors and heritage site
Atmosphere: Historic, oceanic, monumental and contemplative
Getting there: Pointe Saint-Mathieu, Plougonvelin. Car park near the site. The lighthouse is open to the public on set dates. The outdoor site, the abbey and the paths are free to explore.

Who this place suits

With family: 9/10
As a couple: 9/10
With friends: 8/10
Solo: 9/10
With a dog: 7/10
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

At the Pointe Saint-Mathieu, the current lighthouse rises among the ruins of a former Benedictine abbey, in a landscape where several centuries of maritime history overlap. Long before the present tower, the monks were already keeping a beacon in the 13th century. A glazed lantern was installed on the abbey tower in 1689, and the lighting kept evolving until the decision to build a new lighthouse. The 37 metre round tower was built from 1830 and the current lighthouse was lit on 15 June 1835. Its main white light gives one flash every 15 seconds and has an official range of 24 nautical miles. Two auxiliary lights complete the system, including a directional light aligned with Kermorvan for the Chenal du Four. The lighthouse was electrified in 1932, automated in 1996, remotely monitored since 2005, and has had no keeper since 2006. Listed as a historic monument in 2011, it is open to the public. After 163 steps, the gallery offers a remarkable view over the Molène archipelago, Ouessant, the Pierres Noires and the entrance to the Brest roadstead. In 2026, the announced price is €5 for adults and €2.50 for children aged 5 to 12. Even without the climb, the combination of the lighthouse, the ruins, the national memorial to sailors who died for France and the GR34 makes it one of the most powerful heritage sites in Finistère.

What you will see

Height: 37 m, 163 steps.
Light: one white flash every 15 seconds, with a range of 24 nautical miles for the main light.
Optics: rotating, 0.50 m focal length; 250 W lamp.
Auxiliary lights: two, including a directional light aligned with Kermorvan.
Around 1250: the abbey monks keep a beacon to guide ships.
1689: an experimental closed glass lantern is installed at the top of the abbey tower.

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1771: oil lamps with reflectors are installed.
1821: the fixed light is replaced by a rotating light with eclipses.
1830: building of the current tower begins; 15 June 1835: the current lighthouse is lit.
1894: an auxiliary light for the Chenal du Four comes into service.
1932: electrification; 1996: automation; 2005: remote monitoring; 2006: the last keeper leaves.
23 May 2011: listed as a historic monument.
Families: a very good family site. Climbing the 163 steps can be hard for younger children, but the grounds, the ruins and the memorial already make a rich visit.

Practical information

Getting there: Pointe Saint-Mathieu, Plougonvelin. Car park near the site. The lighthouse is open to the public on set dates. The outdoor site, the abbey and the paths are free to explore
Pets: Dogs are said to be welcome on the site, subject to the rules for indoor spaces and natural areas
Accessibility: Parts of the outdoor site are accessible. The climb up the tower is by stairs and is not suitable for all disabilities.
Safety: Cliffs and a very windy coastline. Stay on the paths and never look for a shot at the edge of the drop. In the tower, follow the instructions for the stairs and the gallery
Best time: Late afternoon and sunset, in clear weather.
Photography: Exceptional compositions combining the white tower, the red lantern, the abbey ruins and the Iroise horizon. Late afternoon is especially good, as are views from the ruins
Nearby: The Saint-Mathieu abbey ruins, the national memorial to sailors who died for France, the GR34, the Pointe de Corsen, Le Conquet, Kermorvan lighthouse

Tips on the spot

Check the opening times on the day: openings can be seasonal or cancelled because of the weather.
Allow 1 h 30 to 3 h, so the visit is more than a photo stop.
Check the weather and above all the wind, which can make a coastal site much less comfortable.
On the cliffs, stay behind the barriers and on the paths, even if a better photo angle seems close.
A wide-angle lens works well here, to show the lighthouse with the abbey ruins.

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In summer, come early in the morning or late in the day.
In winter, expect it to feel much colder than the forecast because of the wind and sea spray.
Bring binoculars to look out over the islands from the gallery.
For sunset, plan your way back before dark.
Prices and opening times can change from one season to the next.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit Saint-Mathieu Lighthouse?

Yes, during its opening times, which follow a seasonal calendar. The outdoor site, the abbey and the paths are free to explore.

How much time should I allow?

1 h 30 to 3 h, more with the memorial and a stretch of the GR34.

What makes the site special?

A major lighthouse open to visitors, a ruined abbey, a maritime memorial and one of the finest views of the Iroise Sea, all in one place.

What is the atmosphere like?

Historic, oceanic, monumental and contemplative.

Is the site free?

The outdoor site is free; climbing the lighthouse is paid (€5 for adults and €2.50 for children aged 5 to 12 in 2026).

When is the best time for photos?

Late afternoon, with the white tower, the red lantern, the abbey ruins and the Iroise horizon; the views from the ruins are especially good.

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Photograph: Gzen92 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons