The Poulains lighthouse

A bit of history…

A lighthouse known as a “Leading Light”

At the beginning of the 19th century, Pointe des Poulains was well-known for its dangerous waters, particularly by the 200 fishing boats that frequented the coast in search of fish, notably sardines. Several currents converge at this tip of Belle-Île, subject to violent winds coming from all directions. The combination of these powerful forces made navigation perilous for sailors. This highlights the historical significance of the lighthouse built to warn ships of these treacherous conditions.

A lighthouse project at Pointe des Poulains was first proposed as early as 1805, but construction only began in 1867. Its primary purpose was to warn sailors approaching a busy maritime route close to the coast.

The Phare des Poulains was officially inaugurated on September 15, 1868. Equipped with a 4th-order light that flashed white every 5 seconds, it was designed following the “light with keeper’s house” model, created by the prominent engineer Léonce Reynaud. Though functional, the keeper’s house was small and modest, with limited comfort. The small courtyard, however, was protected from the wind by a 2-meter-high wall. Life for the keepers and their families was tough, especially given the island’s isolation — at high tide, the lighthouse became inaccessible, particularly when the tidal coefficient exceeded 70.

The Phare des Poulains operated with mineral oil until 1875, switched to petroleum vapor in 1903, and was electrified in 1950. In 1987, the last lighthouse keeper, René Le Port, left when it was automated, and controls handed over to the Goulphar lighthouse. The roof now features 32 square meters of photovoltaic panels, which power the lamp and a battery system, allowing the lighthouse to remain autonomous for up to ten days without sunlight. A backup generator is on site for emergencies.

The site became famous after the great tragedienne, Sarah Bernhardt, bought the nearby fort, where she spent 30 summers from 1894 to 1922. A celebrity in her time, many notable figures seeking an exotic escape visited her, and celebrated the lighthouse’s typically Breton aesthetic upon returning to Paris. Few lighthouses in France have become such a cultural and tourist landmark so early on!

Today, the site remains open to the public while retaining its wild and timeless character. It offers one of the most beautiful panoramas on Belle-Île. On clear days, the view stretches to the island of Groix, Lorient, and the bay of Quiberon.