Attractions and Places To See around Ouessant - Top 19

Splendid and unmissable view of the island of Ouessant

Amidst the rugged coastal landscape of Ouessant, an impressive landmark rises: the Créac'h lighthouse. With its distinctive white and black horizontal stripes that extend over a height of 47 meters, it forms an unmistakable image and is at the same time one of the most impressive lighthouses in the Ponant Islands. The Breton name "Créac'h" already indicates its position and means "height, foothills". It has served as a valuable landmark for seafarers since it was built in 1863. In 1888 it was electrified, making it the brightest lighthouse in all of Europe. With an impressive range of around 60 kilometers, or 32 nautical miles, it is also one of the most powerful lighthouses in the world. But the lighthouse is not only impressive from the outside. At the foot of the tower is the Museum of Lighthouses and Beacons, which introduces every visitor to the fascinating history and functionality of the lighthouses. In the adjacent former living and working rooms of the tower, visitors can immerse themselves in the world of sea signs and learn more about their importance for shipping. A special highlight nearby is the “Ecomusee”, which is a must for culture lovers. But although the lighthouse is now fully automated and can no longer be entered, it remains a living testimony to the region's maritime history and culture. This emblematic lighthouse has been a listed building since 2011 and is a reminder of the times when it guided ships safely through the waters between the Atlantic and the English Channel. The line between the Phare du Créac'h and the British Lizard Lighthouse also marks the start and finish line for the prestigious Trophée Jules Verne, which is awarded for the fastest circumnavigation of the world.

From this small coastal path, along the solid blocks of granite, the views of the island of Keller follow one another. There I noted with regard to geology in one of my notebooks: "The features of the coastal landscape draw an incomprehensible geography. Yet the mind wanders there with as much ease as the seagull facing the wind. The rocky prominences serve as shelters and landmarks. I suggest that the islanders even used it to build their villages. They constitute an inexhaustible refuge where everyone cultivates their inspiration. They provide the garden of the soul with a nurturing Eden, literally and figuratively."

About Arlan Beach, I wrote in one of my notebooks: "Below the solid stone pontoon that protects the beach from the big waves, swimmers merge with the turquoise waters, almost translucent under the power of the solar star. “It feels like the Caribbean”, proclaims a onlooker, his eyes captured by the sparkling waters. Except that in Brittany, in the small creeks, granite several billion years old replaces the most recent palm trees. Failing to find coconuts, we tirelessly observe the rock speckling the ocean with variegated and disparate shadows.

The Pointe de Pern is the most westerly point in mainland France. Whatever the weather conditions, its visit is a must. The sunsets are flamboyant there and, during terrible sea storms, the rocks that crown the point offer a luxurious shelter for observing the raging waves.

At a height of 47 meters, the Créac'h lighthouse painted with white and black horizontal stripes is one of the most imposing lighthouses on the Ponant islands. Classified as a historical monument since 2011, it continues to guide ships using lanterns with a range of 60 kilometers. At the foot of the lighthouse, the Museum of Lighthouses and Beacons will tell you more than just how the Créac'h works and the other semaphores that light up the seas and oceans. Note, in Breton, "Créac'h" means "height, promontory".

A small town animated by many shops, Lampaul is the nerve center of the island of Ouessant. At the tourist office located in front of the church, you will find a lot of information. On the terraces of cafes and restaurants, you can enjoy the joyful rhythm of island life. In grocery stores, you can stock up for your next outings. Finally, do not forget to visit the few galleries that exhibit photographs and paintings of the island.

The church's artworks interpret biblical stories into the world of seafaring. The church is named after Paulinus Aurelianus, one of the 7 founding bishops of Brittany and founder of a monastery on Ouessant.