In the far west of Finistère, in Brittany, not far from Brest, discover Pointe Saint-Mathieu, Beg Lokmazhe in Breton, an exceptional place where an 11th century abbey, a 19th century lighthouse, various museums and steep 20-meter cliffs heights meet to offer an unmissable view of the Iroise Sea!
Pointe Saint-Mathieu is a true concentrate of Brittany, 120 km from the Nature & Résidence Loisirs Le Kervastard campsite. Don’t hesitate to visit this magical place full of history during your vacation in Finistère!
The Saint-Mathieu lighthouse
From 1250, to guide the ships, the monks took turns lighting fires in the abbey tower. Unfortunately, the latter fell into ruin over time. To replace it and allow ships to reach a safe port, a 37 m high lighthouse was built in 1835 in Aber Ildut granite on the remains of the abbey.
The Saint-Mathieu lighthouse allows a range of approximately 50 meters with a light with 1 white flash every 15 seconds, something which makes its location strategic and complementary on the lighthouse route. With the Kermorvan lighthouse, it guides ships towards the Four channel. With that of Portzic, it provides the path to the Brest Narrows.
In 1937, the Saint-Mathieu lighthouse was equipped with electricity, then in 1996, it was automated and finally in 2005, it was remotely controlled. Since 2010, it has been listed as a historic monument.
During the guided tour, you will have to climb 163 steps before arriving at the top where the lighthouse lens stands. From the top of these 37 meters, you can contemplate the Iroise Sea in 360°, a unique panorama that is worth the detour. The lighthouse sometimes hosts temporary exhibitions and screenings of short films, which can also be seen when the opportunity arises.
The Abbey of Fine-Terre in Saint-Mathieu
The date of construction of Fine-Terre Abbey in Saint-Mathieu is unknown. Several stories follow one another, but one thing is certain, from the 11th century and until the French Revolution, it was occupied by Benedictine monks from the Congregation of Saint-Maur. Romanesque in style, then Gothic, it was maintained for a long time by benefactors from the region.
The abbey is named and kept under the protection of Saint-Mathieu, an evangelist apostle whose relics were brought back from Egypt by Breton sailors in 1206.
The monks have always lived in community according to the rule of Saint Benedict and maintained the fire at the top of the tower to guide the ships. After the French Revolution, the abbey became a national asset. In 1791, the last monks left the building forever, which was left abandoned and fell into ruin.
Since 1875, the remains of the abbey have been classified as historical monuments.
The semaphore at Pointe Saint-Mathieu
In 1806, a first semaphore was built by the French Navy to monitor the coasts, halfway between the abbey and Les Rospects. In 1906, a second semaphore was built to be placed as close as possible to Pointe Saint-Mathieu to offer a breathtaking view of the Iroise Sea, the Chenal du Four and the Goulet de Brest. Renovated many times, the building now stands 39 meters high and houses the lookouts’ accommodation. Visiting the interior is strictly prohibited.
The cenotaph at Pointe Saint-Mathieu
In 1927 and at the request of Admiral Guépratte, deputy for Finistère, a national memorial in tribute to the sailors who died for France was built. It is a 17 m high stele representing a woman in mourning facing the ocean. In 2005, the 19th century fort was renovated to accommodate a cenotaph in tribute to all the state, commercial and fishing sailors who died during the wars and conflicts for France.
Exhibitions are regularly organized within the cenotaph to learn more about the history of the region and its role in the wars. Access remains open and free.
To visit during your visit to our campsite in Fouesnant in Finistère!
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