Le Grand Phare

After many seawrecks, the 1828 seawreck of the Royal vessel « l’Active » and the loss of more than 100 men triggered public authorities in setting up around the island an appropriate maritime safety system.In 1830, a lighthouse was built on a small mount named la Petite Foule. This lighthouse was commonly called by the islanders le Grand Phare (the great lighthouse).
The lighthouse was built on a megalithic sight.  
It was 29 meters tall. At the top a steady non-flashing oil light in a pitch-black lantern house burnt every night overlooking the coast.
Service buildings and lightkeeper dwelling were built around the tower.
Unfortunately the system was sometimes obscured. And on the  24th of March 1895, an  electric revolving light was added.  
Destroyed in August 1944, a new more modern lighthouse was built in 1951. It was 41 m tall and stood 56 m above sea level. With its 30 nautical miles range, it was visible from the Loire’s esturary.
 
Opening period :
April (from april 6) and May :
Monday from 2:00pm to 5pm / Wednesday and Friday from 10:30am to 12:30am and from 2:00pm to 5pm / Saturday from 10:30am to 12:30am.

June  :
​Monday from 2:00pm to 5pm / Wednesday from 10:30am to 12:30am and from 2:00pm to 5pm / Friday from 10:30am to 12:30am.

July and August : everyday, except the sunday,  from 10:30am to 12:30am and from 4pm to 6 pm (last visite starts at 5:30pm)

September : Closed (big painting works)