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Lighthouse, abbey ruins and semaphore at Pointe Saint-Mathieu

Pointe Saint-Mathieu

A lighthouse rising from the ruins of a medieval abbey at the very end of France.

Photo: JackyM59, CC BY-SA 4.0
  • From Brest~30 min
  • LighthouseClimbable in season
  • AbbeyMedieval ruins
  • Time1–2 h

At Pointe Saint-Mathieu, a red-and-white lighthouse stands beside the roofless ruins of a Benedictine abbey founded in the early Middle Ages, on cliffs at the entrance to the Rade de Brest. It's one of the most photogenic places in Brittany.

What to see

  • The lighthouse, which can be climbed in season for views to the islands of Molène and Ouessant.
  • The abbey ruins and a small museum.
  • The national memorial to sailors who died for France and a cenotaph at the cliff edge.

Walking

The GR34 runs north to Le Conquet (about two hours), port for the island ferries, and east past the Vauban forts towards Brest.

Tips

The point is about 30 minutes from Brest by car. Sunset here is spectacular.

Tours: Pointe Saint-Mathieu

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Lighthouse, abbey ruins and semaphore at Pointe Saint-Mathieu
Lighthouse, abbey ruins and semaphore at Pointe Saint-Mathieu. Photo: JackyM59, CC BY-SA 4.0

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