Goulphar Lighthouse: visit, history and practical information

A major landfall lighthouse on Belle-Île, 52.25 m high, with 247 steps, a lighthouse museum and one of the island’s great views.

Suggested time: 1 h to 1 h 30.
Type of place: Lighthouse
Atmosphere: Monumental, maritime and educational.
Getting there: Road access to Kervilahouen, Bangor. Visits inside depend on seasonal opening times.

Who this place suits

With family: 8/10
As a couple: 10/10
With friends: 9/10
Solo: 8/10
With a dog: 4/10
Reduced mobility: 7/10

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 Grand Phare de Goulphar has towered over the Bangor plateau since the 19th century. Its granite tower was built between 1826 and 1835 as part of the major French coastal lighting programme linked to Augustin Fresnel. After 247 steps, the panoramic gallery reveals Belle-Île and the ocean over a very long distance. The ground floor houses an exhibition about lighthouses, beacons and the work of lighthouse keepers.

What you will see

Status: working lighthouse, open to visitors on a seasonal calendar and on guided tours.
Construction: tower built between 1826 and 1835, light in service in 1835.
Height: 52.25 m, with exactly 247 steps; the panoramic gallery is about 43 m up.
Range: 27 nautical miles, about 50 km.
Light: 2 white flashes every 10 seconds, about 92 m above the highest tides.
It is described as one of the most powerful lighthouses in Europe.

Show 3 more points

Children: yes, but plan for the 247 steps.
The museum can be visited even without the climb.
Night visits may be offered depending on the season.

Practical information

Public transport: Car, bike, taxi or island transport.
Services: Exhibition, reception and visitor services when open
Opening: Seasonal. Visits were published from June to September 2026, with possible special openings in autumn and winter
Parking: Parking nearby.
Accessibility: The ground-floor exhibition is accessible; the top can only be reached by stairs.
Best time: Late afternoon, or a night visit when one is scheduled.
Photography: An excellent view over Belle-Île
Prices: 2026 guided tours seen at €5.50 for adults, €3 for children aged 5 to 12, €1 under 5
Nearby: The Aiguilles de Port Coton, Kervilahouen, Bangor, Port Goulphar

Tips on the spot

Check opening times and visit status on the day before you set off.
Arrive before the last climb of the day.
The stairs are steep and narrow; people prone to vertigo should be prepared for the height of the gallery.
Bring a windproof layer, even in summer, for the outdoor gallery.
Visits can be suspended in strong wind or bad weather.

Show 6 more tips

In high season, book if visits run on time slots.
For a night visit, bring an extra warm layer.
With young children, check the recommended minimum age for the climb.
Allow time for the exhibition, and for the surroundings, not just the tower.
On the island, leave a margin before the last boat back.
Combine it with the Aiguilles de Port Coton, close by.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of lighthouse is it?

A major landfall lighthouse, on land.

Is the lighthouse still in service?

Yes, it is a working lighthouse.

Can you visit the lighthouse?

Yes, on a seasonal calendar and on guided tours.

How tall is it?

52.25 m.

How many steps are there?

247 steps.

How far can its light be seen?

27 nautical miles, about 50 km.

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Photograph: Marmontel · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons