Photo : Yann Caradec from Paris, France / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Phare de "l'île Vierge"
The Île Vierge lighthouse, on an islet off Plouguerneau, in the Finistère, overlooks the entrance to the Aber Wrac'h. At 82.5 metres, it is presented as the tallest stone lighthouse in Europe. Its granite tower is lined inside with opaline. Listed as a historic monument since 2011, it kept keepers until 2010, the year of its full automation.
The climb comprises 360 stone steps, then 32 metal steps to the lantern; the last steps are not open to the public. The summit offers an extensive view over the Abers coast.
The island is reached by boat from Castel Ac'h, during the tourist season and depending on tides and weather, with a stopover of about an hour. On foot, the crossing is possible only around low tide during very high tides, and it is discouraged in poor visibility.
