Kerbel Lighthouse: visit, history and practical information

A former 25 m lighthouse turned into an unusual place to stay, with 120 steps and a 360-degree view over the Petite Mer de Gâvres and Groix.

Suggested time: An overnight stay rather than a classic tourist visit.
Type of place: Lighthouse
Atmosphere: Unusual, intimate and panoramic.
Getting there: 71 route de Port-Louis, Riantec. Access for guests only, under the accommodation’s conditions.

Who this place suits

With family: 1/10
As a couple: 10/10
With friends: 6/10
Solo: 5/10
With a dog: 1/10
Reduced mobility: 1/10

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 Kerbel lighthouse in Riantec has started a new life. The former lantern room has been turned into a small panoramic place to stay, 25 m up. You reach it by climbing 120 steps. From the glazed tower, the view takes in the Petite Mer de Gâvres and, on a clear day, the island of Groix. It is no longer a lighthouse to visit freely like a public monument, but private accommodation to book.

What you will see

Town: Riantec, Morbihan.
Status: a former lighthouse now used as private tourist accommodation.
Visits: no standard public visit.
Height: 25 m.
Steps: 120.
With children: not well suited to young children.

Practical information

Public transport: A car is recommended.
Services: Equipped studio, garden and a heated pool in fine weather
Opening: According to the rental calendar
Parking: According to the accommodation’s conditions.
Accessibility: Not suitable if 120 steps are impossible
Best time: A full stay, for sunrise and sunset
Photography: A panorama over the Petite Mer de Gâvres and Groix
Prices: Paid accommodation, on booking
Nearby: The Petite Mer de Gâvres, Port-Louis, Riantec, Groix

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 7 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.
Book well ahead: it is a single private studio.
Respect the privacy of the site if you are not staying there.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of lighthouse is it?

A former lighthouse turned into private accommodation.

Is the lighthouse still in service?

No, it is now used as private tourist accommodation.

Can I visit the lighthouse?

There is no standard public visit: you stay there by booking.

How high is it?

25 m.

How many steps are there?

120.

Stay in Riantec

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Photograph: XIIIfromTOKYO · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons