There are around 220 beacons and lighthouses in France, dotted the entire length of the country’s coastline and in French territories around the world. They’ve guarded the coasts and warned sailors of dangerous reefs, cliffs and currents for decades and still today provide an essential service.
But as well as useful, the lighthouses are a fascinating part of the French coastline, many are impressive architectural buildings and/or historic sites, plus many are open to the public. In this article, we’ve selected seven of our favourite lighthouses – take a look and make a note to check them out located atop some rocky outcrop when you’re next on the French coast.
Best of all French lighthouses? Phare de Cordouan, Gironde Estuary
Not only is the Cordouan lighthouse the oldest in France, but it’s also one of only two in the world to have UNESCO World Heritage status. Cordouan received the accolade in summer 2021 in recognition of its historic past and more than 400 years of lighting the way for sailors near Le Verdon-sur-Mer on the Gironde Estuary.
The engineer Louis de Foix built the lighthouse in 1611 and it underwent remodelling in the 18th century to update its lenses and make it taller. Cordouan is also the only inhabited lighthouse in France. You can visit it but be aware that there are 301 steps to the top!
While you’re there
Cruise part of the Gironde estuary on the River Garonne as it makes its way to Bordeaux, the capital of French wines.
Best twin towers to visit by boat – Phare de la Croix, Trieux Estuary
As you’d expect given its exposed Atlantic position, Brittany has the largest collection of lighthouses of France. The twin towered Phare de la Croix stands guard at the head of the Trieux Estuary in the bay of Ploubazlanec. Built originally in 1865, the lighthouse suffered extensive bomb damage in WW2 and was rebuilt in 1949.
The 13-metre-tall structure can only be accessed by sea but makes a great boat or kayak trip for the family. Just row across, moor your craft and pop inside to see the exhibition on the history of lighthouses. More information here.
While you’re there
Don’t miss the village of Ploubazlanec, one of the prettiest in France.
>>> Find out why
French lighthouses fast fact 1
You can see exactly where the lighthouses are situated on this interactive map showing the geographical location and facts about all 220!
Best spiral staircase – Phare d’Eckmühl, Penmarc’h
Another lighthouse in Brittany, this one has a commanding position over the sea at Penmarc’h and warns sailors of the dangers on one of the most dangerous parts of the French coast. The Marques of Bloqueville, daughter of the Prince of Eckmühl, financed its construction in 1893 and it stands 64.5m tall – probably one of the tallest lighthouses in France.
Highlights of the visit include the stunning staircase, lined with opaline glass tiles – look upwards as you begin your 307-step ascent for the best view. You can also take a nighttime tour in July and August to see for yourself the power of the lighthouse’s beam as it stretches 45km across the ocean.
While you’re there
Take a day trip around the lighthouses on the Iroise Sea, home to the largest concentration of beacons in the world.
French lighthouses fast fact 2
The Fresnel Lens, used by most lighthouses in the world, was invented by Augustin Fresnel at Cordouan lighthouse in 1823.
Best western lighthouse – Phare de Saint Mathieu, Plougonvelin
Saint Mathieu lighthouse stands on the far western point of France at the entrance to the narrow Brest harbour in Brittany. The clifftops in this area are known as the “prow of the Old World” and offer panoramic views of the Atlantic and surrounding coastline.
The 37m-tall tower dates back to 1835 and has a bright red crown. Next door to this impressive stone tower with lantern is a 16th-century Benedictine abbey now in ruins after being destroyed in the French Revolution. Appropriately, given the wild waves at the bottom of the cliffs below, it is also the National Memorial to sailors lost at sea.
While you’re there
Discover the more tranquil waters in Brittany when you hire a self-drive boat and explore the picturesque canals and rivers.
>>> Explore hire boating holiday ideas
Best stripes on a French lighthouse – Phare de Petit-Fort-Philippe, Gravelines
Petit-Fort-Philippe probably counts among the most attractive lighthouses in France – its distinct black and white swirling stripes are a well-known landmark in Gravelines on the Normandy coast just outside Dunkirk. It’s also purely decorative since it last shone across the English Channel in 1979.
The lighthouse is usually open for visits – check first because major restoration started in 2021 – and highlights include stunning views from the top of the tower and the chance to see the keeper’s house – some quite decidedly cosy lodgings!
While you’re there
Explore the best beaches in France, some of which make perfect lighthouse viewing!
French lighthouses fact 3
As well as lighthouses, France also has lightboats. The most famous is the Sandettié, a ship that moored near the treacherous sandbanks near Dunkirk warning other ships of the danger. You can see it today at the Musée Portuaire in the town.
Best lighthouse to stay in – Phare de la Sentosa, Corsica
The indomitable island of Corsica is home to several lighthouses, but Sentosa has the most interesting architecture and most isolated location. Built in 1892, this lighthouse has two towers, one projecting white light out to sea and the other, red lines across the dangerous Latoniccia point and reefs.
In a protected (and car-less) area near Sartène, the Sentosa lighthouse sits on the 60km historic walking route of the Campomoro-Tizzano trail and provides welcome shelter for hikers, horse riders and kayakers following the route. You can stay for a maximum of two nights in what is probably one of southern Europe’s wildest locations.
While you’re there
Be sure to try the local Corsican wines, part of the oldest wine-growing culture in France. Like everything else on the island including the lighthouses, they’re unique. Find out more about Corsican wine
Best watery position – Phare de la Gacholle, Camargue
The Gacholle lighthouse sits bang in the midst of the stunning Camargue salt marshes, surrounded by miles of sandy beaches and lagoons, home to some of the most varied and interesting birdlife in France. The square tower has stood 18m above the marshes since 1882 and is today one of the few lighthouses in France to run on solar power.
Accessible on foot or by bike via tracks across the marshes, Phare de la Gacholle hosts several temporary exhibitions a year. It also makes an excellent spot for birdwatching in this undeveloped part of the southern French coastline.
While you’re there
Visit the rest of the Camargue and Provence as you glide along their waterways on board a luxury hotel barge.
