Pointe du Grouin du Cou lighthouse

The Pointe du Grouin du Cou lighthouse is an octagonal concrete tower with a black lantern standing at the entrance of Pertuis Breton. It sends colored light signals at regular intervals to guide ships safely through the local waters.

An earlier lighthouse was built here in 1831, but it was destroyed in 1944 during World War II by German forces. The current tower was constructed in 1953 following a design by Maurice Durand.

This lighthouse is an important landmark for the coastal community and represents the maritime traditions that shaped the region. Visitors can see it from the shore and appreciate how such structures mark the landscape where sea and land meet.

The lighthouse sits on France's western coast at the entrance to the Pertuis Breton bay and can be viewed from several viewpoints along the shore. Keep in mind that it can only be seen from outside and sits directly by the water.

The lighthouse operated with staff for many years before being fully automated in 1985 and switched to remote control. Today it is managed and monitored from a distance by port services based in Les Sables-d'Olonne.

Location: La Tranche-sur-Mer

Inception: 1831

GPS coordinates: 46.34444,-1.46361

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:00