Le Grand Phare

Following the numerous shipwrecks on the North coast, the authorities built the 1st lighthouse on the Ile d'Yeu on the Petite Foule hill in 1830.
Destroyed in August 1944 by German occupying troops, the Grand Phare was replaced in 1951 by a new building, with modern lines, to make navigation safer south of the Loire.
Standing 41 metres high, this 1st category lighthouse towers 56 metres above the high seas, casting its white glow almost 30 miles out to sea.

From the top of the lighthouse, you can enjoy a panoramic view and learn about the maritime signalling systems on the Ile d'Yeu.

OUTINGS FOR GROUPS AND SCHOOLS :
Information by email on visites@ile-yeu.fr and by telephone on 06 73 02 45 91.

OUTINGS FOR INDIVIDUALS :
Opening periods: information from the Tourist Office - 02 51 58 32 58

***********************************************************************************************************************************************************
Work in progress at the Grand Phare, reopening planned for April 2026:

Since September 22, DIRM NAMO staff have been working on replacing the lighthouse's lantern tank with a new-generation oil bath tank. This work (in particular the dismantling of parts of the dome) requires them to remove the normal light to operate on the emergency light. This means a reduction in its range. A nautical information notice will be issued between 22 September and 10 October (when the work is due to be completed) to inform mariners. The lighthouse will therefore be closed to visitors at the end of September and the site closed to the public, with a planned reopening next April.

***********************************************************************************************************************************************************

Prices :
Adults* €4
Reduced (7 to 18 years old, unemployed and students and with a full-price adult ticket for the Vieux Château*): €2
Under 7s: free


Ticket office on site. Payment by cash, cheque or credit card.

Practical information
Unaccompanied minors are not admitted to the sites.
Maximum of 15 people per visit.


Tom David-Kemp - OT île d'Yeu all rights reserved www.ile-yeu.fr

Show less