Phare d’Eckmühl

Of the eight lighthouses in the Pays Bigouden, this is undoubtedly the most elegant of them all. Its 65-metre-high kersanton tower is topped by a white dome. This is encircled by a crenellated cornice, a crown that gives this stone beacon the air of a prince. A total of 307 steps lead up to its lantern.

Visitors can access the viewing platform, which offers a 360° panoramic view of the coast, the villages and the Pointe de Saint-Pierre. There are 290 steps to climb!

The climb takes place between opaline walls, and when you leave this pearly corridor, you emerge into other shades of blue: those of the sky and the sea, which only the horizon can distinguish.

From up there, the view of the old Penmarc’h lighthouse – now disused and converted into an exhibition space – is breathtaking. Looking out to sea, you can also make out the Sémaphore, with its military-style architecture, which serves to monitor the maritime area.

This complex overlooks one of France’s busiest yet most dangerous maritime routes.

The Eckmühl beam has been shining out for up to 45 km in all directions every 5 seconds since 1897, the year it was built. Its beam cuts across Audierne Bay and even reaches the shores of the Haut Pays Bigouden.

It is open to visitors from April until the end of the All Saints’ Day holidays and during the Christmas holidays, weather permitting.

Guided tours take place in July and August every Tuesday evening from 9.30 am to 11.00 pm and on Friday mornings before the 9.15 am opening. Bookings for these guided tours can be made by telephone or via the website.