Breizh

Pontusval lighthouse at Brignognan-Plage

Written by Charlotte
18 nov. 2024
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. The Pontusval lighthouse was built to provide a link between the Île Vierge lighthouse and theÎle de Batz lighthouse, along this rocky coastline where shipwrecks were unfortunately frequent. Marie-Paule Le Guen was its keeper for 35 years. Although the main function of lighthouses is to ensure maritime safety, some of them, such as Pontusval, were used as bases by the German army during the Second World War. Indeed, a vestige of a blockhouse can still be seen in the garden!

Visitors to the area can explore the Pontusval Lighthouse enclosure, discover its history and admire its breathtaking sea views. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or simply want to experience the beauty of nature up close, a visit to the Pontusval lighthouse is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Come and explore a historic monument while enjoying a sporting activity and discovering the beauty of Brittany and Finistère !

A walk to the Pontusval lighthouse

  • Drive to the Ménéham parking lot.
  • From the parking lot, turn right and take the footpath on the left that leads to Ménéham.
  • Take time to discover this charming village, then follow the coastal path to your destination.
  • Turn right onto the coastal path and you'll see the guardhouse nestled between two rocks. Follow the path to Pors Doun and its slipway, then on to the dunes overlooking the beach.
  • After passing the Plage de Ménéham campsite, you'll see a small parking lot.
  • Follow the GR34 past a parking lot, then continue towards Plage du Phare until you reach the parking lot.
  • Cross the parking lot, take the path alongside the Ponstuval lighthouse and discover one of Finistère's most beautiful beaches.
  • Turn right and head for the ocean.
  • You have two options: return to the GR34 coastal path, or head towards the shore and head west (signposted). As you approach a fork, look out for a large rock on your left.
  • From the electricity terminal, turn right down the grassy path to a house. Join the road here and turn left towards the Saint-Guenal chapel.
  • After visiting the chapel, turn right and follow the road to a cul-de-sac. From here, continue on a track between two fields until you reach another road. Keep to the right-hand side of this new road.
  • At the last bend, near a house and transformer, turn left onto the path that winds through the fields. At the end of this path, turn right onto the small Kériot road.
  • Turn left into rue du Lavoir, then right at the intersection. Continue to the end of the road and turn left again into the parking lot.

Visit the Pontusval Lighthouse during your stay at Slow Village Breizh Légendes

A visit to the Pontusval lighthouse is a must during your stay at the Slow Village Breizh. Just a short drive away, this iconic lighthouse offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic coastline and a unique insight into France'smaritime history. Visitors can explore the site, marvel at its majestic architecture and admire the magnificent setting that makes it one of Brittany's most popular sites. By bike, you can take the 25 km " Tro-velo 1 " circuit, which invites you to explore the communes of Plounéour-Brignogan-Plages and Kerlouan. This easy route takes you all the way to the Pontusval lighthouse.

Whether you want to admire breathtaking panoramas or discover the region's cultural heritage, you'll find what you're looking for at the Pontusval lighthouse. So pack your bags and set off on an unforgettable journey to this historic building, a journey that will be well worth your while. Come and stay in our Slow Village for an unforgettable experience. We look forward to welcoming you!

Activities and places to visit after the Pontusval lighthouse

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

Detailed map of North Finistère

Often referred to as "the end of the world", Finistère (29) is one of the 4 departments of Brittany. It is the most westerly department in France. Bordered by the English Channel, North Finistère encompasses several historic Breton regions, Léon to the northwest (between Lannion and Châteaulin) and Trégor to the northeast.

Charlotte
Breizh

GR34, the Douaniers trail

More than fifty years old, the famous GR 34 long-distance coastal footpath circumnavigates Brittany over 2,000 km, including almost 900 km in Finistère. Like the Côte de Granit Rose, it attracts hikers for the breathtaking landscapes it invites them to cross and the remarkable sites it links along the coast. Here are some ideas for walks on the GR 34 for your camping vacation in North Finistère!

Charlotte
Breizh

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.

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

Fishing spots in North Finistère

Looking for a fishing spot in Finistère Nord? There's no shortage of them in this beautiful part of Brittany. Foot fishing, one of the region's most famous ancestral practices, can be enjoyed by the whole family during a stay in the department. During your stay at our Finistère Nord seaside campsite, try your hand at this outdoor pastime, which combines walks along the coast at low tide with family fun!

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

Top 10 beaches in Finistère

Looking for white sand, turquoise water and wild horizons? Head for Finistère to discover the most beautiful beaches in Brittany. From north to south, secret coves, surf spots and spectacular landscapes await you just a stone's throw from our Slow Village Breizh Légendes. Follow our top 10 for a summer with your feet in the water, between unspoilt nature and an iodine-filled escape.

Charlotte
Breizh

Top 10 restaurants in North Finistère

Take advantage of your stay in Finistère to dine in some of the department's finest restaurants! From fresh produce buffets to friendly bistros or gourmet restaurants with panoramic seaside views, the choice is yours! Breton products will delight your taste buds!

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