Visit the Eckmühl lighthouse

Penmarch Eckmühl lighthousePenmarch Eckmühl lighthouse
©Penmarch Eckmühl lighthouse|A. Lamoureux

At the tip of Penmarc’h, at the very end of Finistère, stands the Eckmühl lighthouse, and you can climb to the top of its 300 steps to admire the view!

Published on 2 May 2025

Eckmühl the prince of lighthouses

Easier to pronounce than to write, Eckmühl (“eck-mool”) was created thanks to the generosity of the Marquise Adélaïde-Louise d’Eckmühl de Blocqueville, daughter of Marshal Davout. It was built between 1893 and 1897.

It took over from the old lighthouse at Penmarc’h, whose range had become insufficient to indicate the south-westernmost cape of Finistère to ships.

The outside is made of a type of granite from Brest called kersantite, while the inside features dazzling opaline, it has a white light that can be seen for up to 50km. One of the most remarkable lighthouses in France and Europe, it is one of the few French coastal lighthouses open to the public.

There are 290 steps to climb to reach the walkway at the very top.

At the end of this spiral staircase, which can make even the most athletic person dizzy and out of breath, an exceptional 360° view awaits you.

Once you’ve completed that challenge, you deserve a reward! At the foot of the lighthouse, you’ll find a number of crêperies and bistros to give you a boost of energy.

Stats and facts

Year of construction

1897

Height

65 metres

Number of steps

307

Light range

50 kilometres

Guided tours day and night

Two types of guided tour are available during the summer:

  • Night tours:

Discover the very special atmosphere that the old lighthouse keepers must have experienced, before the systems were automated. From up there, you can see the many lighthouses that line the coast as far as the Pointe du Raz.

Three tours take place on Tuesdays in July and August: at 9.30pm, 10.15pm and 11pm (allow around 45 minutes). Please book in advance, places limited to 20, payment required when booking.

  • Special tours :

Visitors are guided from the foot of the lighthouse to the parapet walk, passing through the main hall. They will discover the architectural details, history and anecdotes of this emblematic monument of the Bigouden headland.

Certain days during the summer (allow around 45 mins.). Ask about the dates. Booking required, limited to 20 people.

FAQ
  • When is the lighthouse open?
    • April, May, June and September, daily from 10.30 am to 6.30 pm
    • July and August: 10.30am to 7.30pm
    • 1 October to 11 November: 2pm to 6pm
    • Autumn holidays: 10.30am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 6pm
    • Christmas school holidays: please enquire

    Last admission 30 minutes before closing time.

  • Do I need to book a visit?

    The Eckmühl lighthouse can be visited without booking, except for evening and special tours.

    During peak periods, you might have to wait, as the number of visitors is limited to 40 at any one time.

  • Do you need to be in good physical condition to go up?

    There are 290 steps to climb, but you can take time for breaks.

    However, visitors with heart or respiratory problems or who suffer from vertigo are advised not to visit (the void is visible from the stairs, but there are barriers to make the climb safer).

  • Is the lighthouse open when weather conditions are not good?

    Visits to the lighthouse are subject to favourable weather conditions. Access to the walkway is closed to the public in stormy weather and when wind speeds exceed 50km/h.

  • Are dogs allowed in the lighthouse?

    Animals are not permitted.

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