Breizh

Île Vierge and its lighthouse

Written by Charlotte
18 nov. 2024
Île Vierge and its lighthouse

Do you love wide open spaces and the feeling of being alone in the world?
Then set course for Ile Vierge in Plouguerneau in North Finistère, a charming islet that will brighten up your stay at the Slow Village Breizh Légendes campsite.

Where is Virgin Island?

Virgin Island is an islet in the north of Finistère located on the seaside resort of Plouguerneau1.5 km from the coast and Kastell Ac'h.
It is characterized by its wild look and its lighthouse of 82.5 m high listed historic monument.
From the Slow Village Breizh Légendes campsite, it takes 30 to 40 minutes by car to take the boat to Ile Vierge.
The shortest route (25 km) is the D10, which passes through Kerlouan and Guissény before reaching Plouguerneau.
Then take the D71 towards La Manche.
You'll pass through several hamlets and villages (Croaz Hir, Croaz Cuguen, Ravanion, Croaz Tévézan, Lilia, Kervenni Vihan) until you reach Kastell Ac'h.

L'île Vierge, a little corner of paradise in northern Finistère

It's hard to imagine that monks settled here and founded a monastery in the 15th century.
The minor Cordeliers of the Observance remained here for 60 years, before deciding to return to the mainland.
Today, l'île Vierge fascinates visitors with its isolation, its lighthouse overlooking the English Channel and its unspoilt nature.
It can be reached by boat with Les Vedettes des Abers (book online or by telephone on 02 98 04 74 94), by sail, kayak or paddle, or on foot at low tide during organized walks (information from the tourist office: 02 98 04 70 93).

Once there, admire the jagged coastline in front of you, swim at the beach, breathe in the sea air and take your children fishing on foot between the rocks. Coves and cliffs also await you as you stroll along the coastal path with its splendid sea views. The surrounding area also boasts some of Brittany's most beautiful beaches, not to be missed on your vacation. Try your hand at surfing or kayaking to see the island from the sea!

Île Vierge lighthouse

The Île Vierge lighthouse was built at the end of the 19th century and commissioned in 1902. Made from local granite, it stands 82.5 m high. To reach the top, 383 steps must be climbed to reach the parapet walk (no access to the lantern). Your effort will be rewarded by a 360ºC panoramic view of the English Channel and the Finistère coastline.

You'll also see the old lighthouse, built between 1842 and 1845, a massive square tower over 30 m high.
Classified as a historic monument in 2011, the Île Vierge lighthouse is the 4th highest in the world, with a range of over 50 km.
Until 2010, it was operated by several keepers. It is now fully automated. It is open to the public on fine days between March and October. Guided tour times depend on tide times.
Tickets can be purchased from the Abers Tourisme online ticketing service or from the Pays des Abers tourist offices.

Admission to the lighthouse ranges from €7 to €9 for adults / €4 to €6 (children aged 4 to 12) / free (children under 4).

Other places to visit after Ile Vierge

Breizh

Barnenez Cairn

Monumental witness to an ancient past The Grand Cairn de Barnenez is a remarkable megalithic site located in Plouézoc'h, on the Kerneléhen peninsula. A funerary monument erected in the Neolithic period, it is situated on a high point: a recurrent choice of location for structures of this type, such as prehistoric burials.

Charlotte
Breizh

The Coast of Legends

Discover the Côte des Légendes, a wild coastline in North Finistère where raw nature blends with Celtic myths. Between secret beaches, wind-sculpted rocks and centuries-old traditions, let yourself be carried away by the magic of Brittany. From the Slow Village Breizh Légendes, explore an authentic, timeless destination, ideal for reconnecting with the essentials and living the slow experience to the full.

Charlotte
Breizh

The islands of Finistère

Batz, Ouessant, Molène, Ile de Sein or Glénan, the islands of Finistère evoke distant paradises and fine sandy beaches. A must-see during your camping vacation in Finistère, they are linked to the mainland by sea shuttles in season.

Charlotte
Breizh

Menhirs and dolmens in North Finistère

Famous for its menhirs, Brittany, and more specifically North Finistère, is brimming with emblematic sites. Between legends and myths, the Slow Village campsite invites you to discover the megaliths. You'll find menhirs and dolmens along the way, much to the delight of travellers.

Charlotte
Breizh

Océanopolis

Brest's Océanopolis is one of France's largest aquariums. It houses over 10,000 animals in tanks that recreate their respective natural environments. The biodiversity of temperate, tropical and polar marine habitats is reconstituted at Océanopolis, allowing visitors to encounter a wide variety of species, from anemones to otters and a multitude of colorful fish. Each tank is unique (freshwater, saltwater) to match the seabed and the natural environment of the various fish species and mammals.

Charlotte
Breizh

Pontusval lighthouse at Brignognan-Plage

The Pontusval lighthouse in Brittany is a symbol of hope and safety for sailors and ships navigating the waters off the west coast of France. Located at the tip of Beg-Pol, in the commune of Plounéour-Brignogan-Plages, this majestic lighthouse stands as a symbol of maritime tradition and navigation. Founded in 1868, the lighthouse has been guiding sailors to port for over 150 years, and remains one of the most beautiful lighthouses in Brittany.

Charlotte
Breizh

Visit the Meneham website

Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Meneham, a charming village nestled between the rocks of North Finistère. On the wild coast of Kerlouan, this typical Breton hamlet invites you on a journey back in time, between traditions, legends and raw nature. Discover its fishermen's cottages and ancestral customs, and enjoy the unique experience of a slow-motion holiday just a stone's throw away from one of Brittany's must-see sites.

Charlotte