Phare d'Eckmühl

Of the 8 lighthouses in the Pays Bigouden, this is undoubtedly the most elegant. Its 65-metre kersanton tower is topped by a white dome. This is encircled by a crenellated cornice, a crown that gives this stone beacon the appearance of a prince. A total of 307 steps lead up to the lantern. Visitors can access the platform, which offers a 360° panoramic view of the coast, villages and Pointe de Saint-Pierre. 290 steps to climb! The ascent is made between opaline walls, and when you leave this pearly corridor, it is to join other blues: those of the sky and the sea that only the horizon can distinguish. From up there, there's a breathtaking view of the old Penmarc'h lighthouse, now inactive and transformed into an exhibition space. In this line of sight towards the open sea, you can also see the Semaphore, with its military architecture that keeps watch over the sea. This complex dominates one of France's busiest and most dangerous shipping lanes. Since it was built in 1897, the Eckmühl beacon has been beaming up to 45 km around it every 5 seconds. Its radiance crosses the Bay of Audierne and even touches the shores of the Haut Pays Bigouden. It can be visited from April to the end of the All Saints' holiday and during the Christmas holidays, weather permitting. Guided tours in July and August every Tuesday night from 9.30am to 11pm and on Friday mornings before the opening at 9.15am. Bookings can be made through the Pays Bigouden tourist offices.