Pointe des Corbeaux lighthouse

Pointe des Corbeaux lighthouse stands at the southeastern tip of L'Île-d'Yeu, marking the rocky point that gives it its name.

When was the lighthouse built, and by whom?

The tower seen today dates from 1950, replacing an earlier structure on the same point that was destroyed during the Second World War. The rebuild was designed by architect Maurice Durand, who also created the island's other lighthouse — the Île d'Yeu lighthouse, often called the Grand Phare — completed the same year. Despite sharing a designer, the two towers watch over opposite ends of the island: this one guards the eastern point, while the Grand Phare stands on the main western headland.

Where exactly is it located?

The lighthouse sits in the Vendée department on France's Atlantic coast, on the island of L'Île-d'Yeu, at coordinates 46.69°N, -2.285°W. It occupies the island's easternmost tip, a stretch of coast lined with granite outcrops and wide, exposed shoreline at low tide.

How do you get there?

Access to L'Île-d'Yeu is by ferry, most commonly from Fromentine on the mainland, with additional summer connections from Saint-Nazaire and Noirmoutier. From the main port at Port-Joinville, the route to Pointe des Corbeaux runs along the island's eastern side — best covered by bicycle, the island's most popular way of getting around, or on foot along the coastal paths. It's a ride of just a few kilometres, but the surrounding coastline ranks among the island's most scenic stretches.

What will you see once you're there?

The lighthouse itself is modest compared with the island's Grand Phare, but its setting is the real draw: wild cliffs, granite rock formations, and open views across the Atlantic. The spot appeals to travellers looking for a quieter corner of the island, away from the busier harbour towns. It's a favourite with landscape photographers, especially at sunset, and with walkers following the coastal GR trail that circles the island.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and early autumn bring the most reliable weather and fewer crowds than the peak of July and August. Summer ferries run more frequently, making the crossing easier, but the area around the lighthouse can get busy with day-trippers. In winter, the point is exposed to strong winds and swell — dramatic to watch, but not ideal for a long visit.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the Pointe des Corbeaux lighthouse? No — it remains an active navigational aid and isn't open to visitors. It's viewed from outside, from the surrounding rocks and coastal paths.

How is it different from the island's main lighthouse? The main lighthouse, the Île d'Yeu lighthouse (Grand Phare), stands at the opposite, western end of the island and is the larger, more recognisable structure. Pointe des Corbeaux is smaller and quieter, built the same year by the same architect but on the eastern point.

How far is it from Port-Joinville? By bicycle, the ride along the eastern coast takes roughly half an hour to an hour, depending on pace and how many stops you make at the cliffside viewpoints.

Are there facilities near the lighthouse? Very few — the immediate surroundings are left wild and undeveloped. Restaurants, cafés, and bike rental shops are concentrated in Port-Joinville and the island's other villages.