La Pierre de Herpin Lighthouse: history, visit and practical information

A 23.77 m offshore lighthouse marking the entrance to the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, first lit in 1882, with a white isophase light visible for 12 miles.

Suggested time: 20 to 45 minutes from the Grouin, longer with a boat trip.
Type of place: Lighthouse
Atmosphere: Isolated, maritime and very exposed.
Getting there: An offshore lighthouse. You can see it from the Pointe du Grouin or on an organised boat trip.

Who this place suits

With family: 7/10
As a couple: 10/10
With friends: 9/10
Solo: 8/10
With a dog: 5/10
Reduced mobility: 6/10

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 Pierre de Herpin lighthouse stands north-east of the Pointe du Grouin, on the rock that gives it its name. It has marked the entrance to the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel since 1882. The DIRM gives a height of 23.77 m, a white isophase light with a 4-second period and a range of 12 miles. Its widened base, shaped like an oak trunk, gives it a firmer footing and helps it withstand the waves. The lighthouse is not open to visitors.

What you will see

Location: Cancale, off the Pointe du Grouin.
Visits: not open to visitors.
Height: 23.77 m.
Range: 12 nautical miles, according to the DIRM.
Light: white isophase, 4-second period.
Built: project approved in 1864, work began in 1876.

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In service: 1 October 1882.
Automation: automated in the 20th century; current LED system.
Heritage: a major heritage lighthouse at the entrance to the bay.
With children: yes, from the coastal viewpoint.
The tower is cylindrical and made of dressed stone.
Its oak-trunk-shaped base helps it withstand the waves.

Practical information

Getting there: Cancale, then the Pointe du Grouin, via the local network
Public transport: Cancale, then the Pointe du Grouin, via the local network.
Services: At the Pointe du Grouin, depending on the season
Parking: At the Pointe du Grouin, under local rules
Pets: According to the local rules for the natural site
Accessibility: You can see it from some developed areas of the Grouin
Safety: In heavy weather, watch from the coast; never try to approach it on your own
Best time: Good visibility and low-angled light
Photography: Very striking, standing alone at the entrance to the bay
Prices: Free to see from the coast; boat trips are paid
Ideal for: Photographers, families, views, maritime history
Nearby: The Pointe du Grouin, Cancale, the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, the Île des Landes

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.
Bring binoculars or a telephoto lens to the Grouin.
In rough seas, stay well away from the rocky points of the coast.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of lighthouse is it?

An offshore lighthouse.

Is the lighthouse still in service?

Yes, it is an automated working lighthouse.

How high is it?

23.77 m.

Can I go inside?

No, the inside is not open to the public.

What is its range?

12 nautical miles, according to the DIRM.

What is the light pattern?

A white isophase light, with a 4-second period.

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Photograph: Remi Jouan · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons