Pointe Saint-Mathieu Lighthouse: reviews and practical tips

Visiting the Pointe Saint-Mathieu Lighthouse

In Plougonvelin, just a short drive from Brest, stands the Pointe Saint-Mathieu Lighthouse. Built in the mid-19th century, it guides vessels safely into the goulet de Brest (Brest Strait).

History

This rocky headland was once home to an abbey. While local legend claims it was founded in the 6th century, historians have yet to find proof. The ruins visible today belong to a Benedictine monastery built on the site in the 12th century. According to lore, sailors traveled to Egypt to retrieve the remains of Saint-Mathieu and brought them back to this abbey. They did not stay long, as the relics were stolen 60 years later and taken to Salerno in Italy, eventually disappearing from the historical record.

In 1689, as the military port of Brest expanded, the Marine Royale (French Royal Navy) decided to test a new type of lighthouse lantern. It was installed atop the square church tower. This setup proved highly resistant to bad weather and was eventually adopted for lighthouses across the country.

The abbey at the foot of the lighthouse was already in ruins by that time. It was sold to a private owner and demolished so the stones could be salvaged. The lighthouse, which was excluded from the sale, remained standing within the church tower.

By the late 19th century, the tower had deteriorated and was considered too short. The Navy decided to construct a round granite tower, utilizing stones salvaged from the abbey ruins. This is the structure we see today.

The Pointe Saint-Mathieu Lighthouse

The lighthouse was electrified in 1932. It received its signature white paint in 1963 and was fully automated by 1996. Since 2006, this beacon of the Breton coast has operated without a resident keeper to monitor the waves.