Lighthouses

Bénodet’s charm lies not only in its fine sandy beaches and tidal river. Our lighthouses watch over the entrance to the harbour and tell the story of the town’s rich maritime history. Let’s take a look at our two iconic lighthouses: Le Coq and La Pyramide.

Shedding light on the resort's maritime history

In Bénodet, the sea is more than a horizon: it’s a story written in stone and light. The Coq and Pyramide lighthouses, inseparable sentinels, guide sailors through the winding mouth of the River Odet and tell of the region’s maritime sagas. These lighthouses, with their unique stories of reconstruction and resilience, embody the soul of Bénodet.

The Pyramid lighthouse a lighthouse steeped in history

Much more than just a beacon, the Pyramide lighthouse is a monument. Its tall silhouette dominates the left bank of the Odet, rising 48 metres above sea level. It is named after a stone pyramid that once served as a visual landmark for navigators before these lighthouses were built.

The original lighthouse from 1848 had a 9-metre tower that was rebuilt and raised to 38 metres in 1887 to improve beaconing. Unfortunately, this lighthouse was almost destroyed by German forces in 1944, so it was rebuilt identically and returned to service in 1950.

Today, along with the lighthouses of Le Coq and Sainte-Marine, La Pyramide forms part of a vital maritime alignment system, ensuring the safety of navigation. Automated since 1993, it no longer has a keeper, but its light shines out over 14 nautical miles, visible as far as the Glénan archipelago, 20 kilometres away. The Pyramid lighthouse is not accessible to visitors.

The Coq lighthouse the faithful companion

Le Coq lighthouse stands opposite, at the mouth of the Odet, named after a rooster-shaped rock that used to sit here and was visible at low tide. Built in 1848, this small 11.2-metre stone-built tower was destroyed during the Second World War and recreated identically, returning to service in 1947.

Le Coq lighthouse, located 348 metres from LaPyramide, is a vital link in the line of sight that guides ships. Painted green and white, it sends out a light synchronised with its counterparts to guarantee safe navigation. Like LaPyramide, it is not open to the public, but if you walk along the coastal path towards the beach, you’ll reach the foot of the lighthouse where you can get a closer look and enjoy a unique panoramic view of the River Odet.

Lighthouses

The Pyramid lighthouse a lighthouse steeped in history

The Coq lighthouse the faithful companion

Discover Bénodet in all its aspects