Sept-Îles lighthouse

The Sept-Îles Lighthouse rises on one of the small islands of the Sept-Îles archipelago, just off the coast of Perros-Guirec in northern Brittany. It is one of the recognizable landmarks of the Pink Granite Coast (Côte de Granit Rose), a slender white tower visible from shore and from the deck of the sightseeing boats that head out to the archipelago throughout the season.

Where exactly is the lighthouse?

The lighthouse stands in the coastal waters of northern Brittany, on one of the islands making up the Sept-Îles archipelago (roughly 48.8786°N, 3.49°W). Sept-Îles itself is a cluster of small, mostly uninhabited islets and rocks rising out of the English Channel opposite Perros-Guirec. The lighthouse serves a navigational purpose, warning vessels sailing along this jagged, rocky stretch of coast, which can turn treacherous in bad weather and strong currents.

How do you get there?

You cannot walk up to the lighthouse — it sits on an island with no bridge and no regular car ferry. The simplest way to see it up close is to book a sightseeing boat trip from Perros-Guirec, usually departing from the harbor near Trestraou beach. Boat operators run several crossings a day to the Sept-Îles archipelago during the season, and the route passes close to the island where the lighthouse stands. Perros-Guirec itself is well connected to the rest of Brittany — the nearest larger town is Lannion, reachable by bus or a short drive.

What will you see on the boat trip?

The Sept-Îles archipelago is more than just a lighthouse — it is one of France's oldest and most important seabird reserves. Colonies of northern gannets, puffins, and other seabirds nest on the rocky cliffs of the islands, making the area a favorite for birdwatching trips as much as for the scenery. The lighthouse itself, rising above the rocky shore of one of the islands, forms a natural highlight of the crossing: a white tower set against pink granite and blue sea is one of the most photographed views along this stretch of coast.

From the deck, you'll also get views back toward Perros-Guirec and the neighboring towns of the Pink Granite Coast, known for the rounded pink granite boulders that line the shoreline.

When should you visit?

The best time for a boat trip out to the archipelago and the lighthouse is late spring through summer (May to September), when the sea is calmer and the seabird colonies are at their most active during the breeding season. Outside this window, crossings can be less frequent or suspended altogether depending on weather, and swells along this part of the coast can be significant even in summer, so it's worth checking the forecast before setting out.

Who is this for?

This spot suits travelers who like combining scenery with nature — birdwatchers, coastal photographers, and anyone looking for something beyond a standard land-based sightseeing stop. A boat trip also makes a good family outing from Perros-Guirec, especially paired with a walk along the customs officers' coastal path (sentier des douaniers), from which the silhouette of the lighthouse is often visible on the horizon.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the Sept-Îles lighthouse? The lighthouse stands on an uninhabited island within a nature reserve, so it isn't open for visits inside — you view it from the deck of a boat during a crossing.

How long does the boat trip to the Sept-Îles archipelago take? A standard loop around the islands, with views of the lighthouse and the seabird colonies, usually takes around an hour, though it varies by operator and route.

Can you see the lighthouse from Perros-Guirec itself? On a clear day, the outline of the archipelago's islands and the lighthouse can be spotted from coastal viewpoints and from the customs officers' path running along the shore.

Is it worth bringing binoculars? Yes — both for a closer look at the lighthouse from a distance and for spotting the seabird colonies nesting on the surrounding rocks.