La Croix Lighthouse

La Croix Lighthouse stands on a bare rocky islet at the mouth of the Trieux river, just off Loguivy-de-la-Mer in the commune of Ploubazlanec (Côtes-d'Armor, Brittany). Rising between the Île de Bréhat and the mainland, on the left side of the main channel into the port of Lézardrieux, it has spent more than a century guiding vessels through one of this coast's most rock-strewn, current-swept stretches of water.

Where does the lighthouse come from?

The tower standing today dates from 1867, built on the rock known as La Croix, at a spot where wooden warning beacons had already marked the shoals since the 18th century. The structure survived over a hundred years of active service, but the Second World War left its mark: in 1944 it was partly destroyed by retreating German forces. It was rebuilt in 1949 and has operated in that form ever since. At just under 18.5 metres tall, it's a modest structure by lighthouse standards — but perfectly visible from open water, which is exactly its job.

How do you get there?

This is what makes La Croix unusual: the lighthouse sits on an exposed rock surrounded by water, with no path or road leading to it. The only way in is by sea. In summer, the Pôle Nautique water sports centre in Loguivy-de-la-Mer runs sea-kayak excursions straight to the foot of the lighthouse. The group outings last around three hours and are led by instructors familiar with the local currents and tides, which can be demanding even for experienced paddlers in this part of the coast. It doubles as a sightseeing trip and a hands-on lesson in coastal navigation.

What will you see there?

Beyond the architecture itself — a white tower with a red band, typical of French lighthouses of the era — the interior houses a small exhibition set up by the Service des Phares et Balises (the French lighthouse authority). It covers the history of lighthouse lighting technology, photographs of other lighthouses along the coast, and original Fresnel lenses — the 19th-century invention that dramatically extended the reach of navigational lights worldwide. It's a rare chance to inspect up close a piece of equipment usually only seen from the shore.

When should you visit?

The kayak trips to the lighthouse run seasonally, mainly in summer, when sea conditions allow safe access to the rock. It's worth checking the Pôle Nautique's schedule in Loguivy-de-la-Mer ahead of time and booking a spot, since groups are kept small for safety reasons given the surrounding currents. The area itself — the fishing harbour of Loguivy-de-la-Mer and the Ploubazlanec coastline — is also worth a walk at any time of year, with views of the lighthouse from land.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the lighthouse? Access is only through organised sea-kayak excursions run by the Pôle Nautique in Loguivy-de-la-Mer; reaching it independently isn't practical given the difficult water conditions around the rock.

How long does the trip to the lighthouse take? The organised sea-kayak excursion lasts about three hours, including the paddle out, the visit, and the return.

Is the lighthouse still active? Yes. Rebuilt in 1949 after the 1944 wartime damage, it still functions as a navigational aid, guiding ships into the port of Lézardrieux between Île de Bréhat and the coast.

What can you see inside? A small exhibition put together by the French lighthouse authority, covering the history of lighthouse technology, photographs, and original Fresnel lenses.