The lighthouse was built using 1,700 tons of Kersanton granite, a volcanic rock found exclusively in Brittany.
The interior staircase features 276 steps made of opaline glass, held in place by a metal frame.
The project was financed by the Marquise de Blocqueville, who stipulated that the lighthouse must be the most modern and beautiful in France.
The beacon’s rotation is powered by a mercury bath, a common mechanism in late 19th-century lighthouses to reduce friction.
It is named after the Battle of Eckmühl, a military engagement during the Napoleonic Wars.
Phare d'Eckmühl is a 65-meter-tall granite lighthouse located at the tip of the Penmarch peninsula in Brittany, France. Completed in 1897, it was funded by a bequest from the Marquise de Blocqueville to honor her father, Marshal Davout, Prince of Eckmühl. The lighthouse features an interior spiral staircase lined with 276 steps made of opal glass and blue-tinted stone. It remains an active navigation light, with a beam visible from up to 25 nautical miles away. The structure replaced the older, nearby Phare de Penmarc'h, which had become insufficient for maritime safety. Visitors ascend to the top for a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and the rocky coastline of the Bigouden region. The building is constructed from Kersanton granite, a material known for its durability and resistance to salt spray. It operates as a heritage site managed by the local municipal authorities.
The base of the tower looking upward to capture the granite architecture against the sky, or the top gallery overlooking the rocky coast.
Wear wind-resistant clothing, as the coastal winds can be intense even on clear days.
Ensure you are prepared for a vertical climb of over 200 steps with no elevator access.
Combine your visit with a walk to the nearby ruins of the Old Tower (Vieux Phare) located just meters away.
Attempting the climb if you have mobility issues or a fear of heights, as the interior is narrow and steep.
Open seasonally from late spring through early autumn; typically closed during winter months.
Wear flat, non-slip footwear suitable for climbing metal stairs.
