The lighthouse “du Petit Minou” is one of the most iconic lighthouses in Brittany.
Located in the commune of Plouzané, just west of Brest, it stands sentinel at the entrance to the “Goulet de Brest” (the Brest Narrows).
Built in 1848, its primary function is to guide vessels safely into the roadstead of Brest. The lighthouse stands 26 metres above sea level. It is easily recognised by its white cylindrical tower topped with a red lantern room. Its most famous feature is the winding, stone pedestrian bridge that connects the rocky islet to the mainland. The lighthouse was fully automated in 1989 and is no longer staffed.
While minou means ‘kitty’ in French, the name has nothing to do with cats. It derives from the Breton word min, meaning ‘point’, ‘mouth’, or ‘headland’.
Quite a very touristic place in the summer.
