Musée du vieux phare de Penmarc'h
Lighthouse from 1835, listed as a historic monument, with a lantern restored in 2025 and an exhibition on the history of lighthouses; visits by timed slots.
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About the museum
The Vieux phare de Penmarc'h was lit on November 20, 1835, after four years of work costing 110,000 gold francs. Its 38-meter tower of exposed dressed stone rests on a square base containing fifteen rooms over two floors, with living quarters for the keepers and storerooms. It was fitted with an eclipse light of sixteen Fresnel lenses, first fueled by rapeseed oil and from 1875 by mineral oil. An identical lighthouse stands on the Île de Batz, built to the same plans.
Its light went out when the Eckmühl lighthouse came into service on October 17, 1897, and the lantern was dismantled in 1898. The tower then served as a landmark and warehouse, and was no longer inhabited by around 1930. During the Second World War the German army installed a radar station there; on leaving, it unsuccessfully tried to blow up the top, damaging the structure. A foghorn operated from 1976 to 2009. The lighthouse has been listed as a historic monument since May 23, 2011.
From the 1990s the building became a maritime discovery center: a permanent exhibition on the history of lighthouses occupies the first floor (rez-de-chaussée), and a contemporary art exhibition the second floor. In 2021 the town of Penmarc'h and the Fondation du patrimoine Bretagne launched a fundraising campaign (souscription) to restore the building, and a new lantern was installed on February 19, 2025.
Highlights
- 38-meter tower from 1835, listed as a historic monument
- New lantern installed in February 2025
- Permanent exhibition on the history of lighthouses
- Contemporary art exhibition on the second floor
- Combined ticket with the Eckmühl lighthouse (Pass'2 phares)
Permanent exhibition
- Histoire des phares – Permanent exhibition on the history of lighthouses on the first floor (rez-de-chaussée); the second floor hosts a contemporary art exhibition.
- Operated by
- Ville de Penmarc'h
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €4 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3Ages 5–18, students, job seekers (with proof) |
| Children & teens | €3Reduced rate for ages 5–18. |
| Students & apprentices | €3With proof. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €3 per personFrom 10 people, except in July and August. |
| School groups and holiday camps | €2 |
| Pass'2 phares (Vieux phare and Eckmühl lighthouse), adult | €7 |
| Pass'2 phares, reduced rate (ages 5–18, students, job seekers) | €5 |
| Pass'2 phares, groups | €5 |
| Pass'2 phares, school groups and holiday camps | €5A rate of €4 is given as an alternative. |
Online ticketing. Reduced rates require proof.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The climb is demanding and goes up narrow ladders. The visit is not recommended for people with heart or respiratory conditions. Only assistance dogs are admitted.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The lighthouse site includes the Vieux phare and the Eckmühl lighthouse, rue du Phare in Penmarc'h.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | Visits take place in 30-minute time slots, for groups of up to 18 people. Smoking, drinking and eating are forbidden inside the lighthouse. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. |
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