Lighthouse
Kerdonis Lighthouse
Locmaria, Belle-Île · Morbihan
A lighthouse-house on the east of Belle-Île, 13.70 m high, in service since 1879 and famous for the story of the Matelot family.
- Suggested time
- 30 to 60 minutes.
- Type of place
- Lighthouse
- Atmosphere
- Intimate, historic and island-like.
- Getting there
- Reach the surroundings by the coastal road and the Locmaria routes. The inside is closed.
Who this place suits
- With family
- 8/10
- As a couple
- 9/10
- With friends
- 8/10
- Solo
- 8/10
- With a dog
- 7/10
- 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 Kerdonis lighthouse stands at the eastern tip of Belle-Île. Built between 1877 and 1878, it came into service on 1 June 1879. The DIRM gives a total height of 13.70 m and a range of 19.3 nautical miles. It has been automated since 1982. Its most famous story dates back to 1911, when the family of keeper Alexandre Matelot kept the light working after his sudden death. The lighthouse is not open to visitors.
What you will see
- Town: Locmaria, Belle-Île.
- Status: an automated working lighthouse.
- Visits: not open to visitors; you can see it from outside.
- Built between 1877 and 1878, in service since 1 June 1879.
- Height: 13.70 m.
- Range: 19.3 nautical miles.
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- Light: 3 grouped flashes every 15 seconds, red light.
- With children: yes.
- Heritage: listed in the maritime heritage inventory.
- History: famous for the story of the Matelot family in 1911.
- Its base stands about 38 m above sea level.
- It was electrified and automated in 1982.
- It is easy to recognise by its red lantern.
Practical information
- Public transport
- Car, bike or on foot on Belle-Île.
- Services
- In Locmaria
- Opening
- Surroundings open all year, inside closed
- Parking
- Park at the access points along the coastal road.
- Accessibility
- You can see it from areas close to the road
- Best time
- The morning, for the light on the east side
- Photography
- Very photogenic with its red lantern
- Prices
- Free to see from outside
- Nearby
- Port Andro, Locmaria, the Grands Sables, Samzun
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.
- Combine it with a walk to Port Andro.
- Read up on the Matelot family’s story before you go.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of lighthouse is it?
A lighthouse-house on land.
Is the lighthouse still in service?
Yes, it is an automated working lighthouse.
How high is it?
13.70 m.
What is its range?
19.3 nautical miles.
What is the light pattern?
3 grouped flashes every 15 seconds, red light.
When was it built?
Between 1877 and 1878; it came into service on 1 June 1879.
Stay in Locmaria, Belle-Île
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Traveller reviews
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Photograph: Patrice78500 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons