Phare de l'Île Vierge

The Phare de l'Île Vierge stands on a small island off the coast of Plouguerneau, in the Finistère department of northwest Brittany, in the Pays des Abers. At 82.5 metres it is the tallest stone lighthouse in Europe, and it is often described as the tallest of its kind in the world. The tower was built between 1897 and 1902 to replace an older and smaller lighthouse, which still stands beside it, in order to light one of the most dangerous stretches of the Atlantic coast, a zone of reefs, strong currents and fog off the Léon coast.

The inside of the tower is lined with white opal glass tiles, which protect the masonry from damp and reflect the light, giving the interior a bright, luminous quality. Climbing it means taking 397 steps up a spiral staircase to the lantern gallery, with landings on the way where you can catch your breath. The reward is a wide view over the reef-studded coast, the open sea toward the English Channel and the Celtic Sea, and on a clear day the bays and headlands of the Léon coast. At the top you can also see the old keepers' accommodation, which gives an idea of how lonely life was on the island. The lighthouse was the last in Brittany to be manned, and automation ended the keepers' presence in the early twenty-first century.

The island's history reaches back further than the lighthouse. In the fifteenth century a community of Franciscans settled on it, and the ruins of their buildings can still be seen. The island is a protected site, and the surroundings are home to seabirds.

Reaching the lighthouse requires a boat. A short crossing leaves from the harbour of Lilia, near Plouguerneau, during the summer season, and the schedule depends on the tide and the weather, so check the times and book in advance. Wear sturdy shoes for the stairs and bring a jacket, since the wind at the top is strong. The climb is not suitable for people with heart problems or vertigo.

The lighthouse suits lovers of maritime heritage, photographers and walkers who enjoy the wild coast of Léon. The beaches and coastal path of the Pays des Abers, with their white sand and rocky coves, are good additions to the visit, and the nearby villages serve seafood.