Old Île Vierge lighthouse, Historic lighthouse in Plouguerneau, France.
The Old Île Vierge lighthouse is a stone-built tower that rises from a rocky island off the Brittany coast, serving as a navigational aid for ships traveling along these exposed Atlantic waters.
Built between 1842 and 1845, this lighthouse initially provided a modest beacon for mariners, and it was later supplemented by a taller tower completed in 1902 to improve visibility across the shipping routes.
Designated as a historic monument in 2011, the lighthouse represents an important chapter in Brittany's maritime heritage and remains a recognizable landmark along the region's rugged coastline.
Access to the island requires a boat trip from nearby Plouguerneau or other local ports, and visits are typically organized during warmer months when sea conditions allow safe landing on the rocky shores.
The original lighthouse keeper's house has been converted into eco-friendly accommodation, offering visitors an overnight experience on the island with views over the surrounding Atlantic waters and seabird colonies.
Location: Plouguerneau
Inception: 1845
Made from material: stone
GPS coordinates: 48.63914,-4.56775
Latest update: December 1, 2025 11:00
French lighthouses line approximately 3,400 miles (5,500 km) of coast, from the English Channel to the Mediterranean Sea. These maritime structures, built between the 17th and 20th centuries, occupy strategic locations on rocky promontories, islands, and sometimes in open sea. Constructed from granite, limestone, or masonry, they reflect changes in building techniques and the emphasis on maritime safety. Among the most notable are the Cordouan lighthouse, located offshore of the Gironde estuary and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Vierge island in Brittany, which, at 272 feet (82.5 meters), is the tallest stone tower in Europe. The Jument and Vieille lighthouses, situated off Ouessant and Raz de Sein, demonstrate the technical challenges of building at sea, while those at Cap Ferret, Calais, and Ploumanac'h serve as coastal landmarks for over a century. Most of these installations remain operational, and several are open to visitors, offering insights into their interior architecture and the living conditions of their keepers.
Île Vierge lighthouse
66 m
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