Phare du Cap Fréhel, Plévenon

Lighthouse near Saint-Malo

Cap Fréhel lighthouse
Cap Fréhel lighthouse
CC BY-SA 4.0 / W. Bulach

Perched on the wild headland of Cap Fréhel in Plévenon, the Phare du Cap Fréhel is the kind of place that makes you stop mid-step, look out over the sea, and realise you've found the “postcard Brittany” you were hoping for. The lighthouse rises from a sweep of heathland and cliffs, with the coastline unfurling in both directions-on clear days you can scan the horizon for distant headlands and islands, and still have plenty of time to watch the waves chew at the rocks below.

It's also an easy win if you're planning your days around Saint-Malo: do a walking tour of Saint-Malo, then come here for a half-day of salty air and big views-this is one of the must-see places in Saint-Malo for travellers who want something beyond the ramparts without straying too far.

History and Significance of the Phare du Cap Fréhel

Cap Fréhel has been a navigational reference point for centuries, and the lighthouse complex tells that story in stone. Next to the modern tower you’ll spot the older Vauban-era tower nearby (early 18th century), a reminder that this headland was strategically important long before tourism arrived.

The current Phare du Cap Fréhel was built in 1950 after the previous lighthouse was destroyed during World War II, and it remains an active aid to navigation today. Climbing up isn't just about ticking off a viewpoint-it's a direct line into the working maritime landscape of Brittany, where weather, tides, and visibility still shape life along the coast.

Things to See and Do in the Phare du Cap Fréhel

The main event is the climb to the gallery: it’s a straightforward ascent that rewards you with a full-circle panorama over cliffs, coves, and the open Channel. If you time it well, you’ll get that satisfying mix of wind-in-your-face drama and calmer moments when the light turns silvery over the water-especially late in the day.

Before or after the climb, linger around the lighthouse grounds and the neighbouring Vauban tower to appreciate how the site layers different eras together in one small area. Then make time for the coastal paths: the walking here is as memorable as the view from the top, with heather and sea birds in season, and a constant sense that the landscape is bigger than whatever plan you arrived with. Fort La Latte is close enough to feel like a natural add-on, and the walk between viewpoints is part of the pleasure rather than a “transfer” you rush through.

How to Get to the Phare du Cap Fréhel

If you're arriving from further afield, the closest airports are Dinard-Pleurtuit-Saint-Malo (DNR) and Rennes-Saint-Jacques (RNS). For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Saint-Malo on Booking.com. From either, you’ll typically continue by train or bus toward the north coast, then switch to local transport or a taxi for the final stretch.

By rail, aim for a major station such as Saint-Brieuc or Lamballe, then connect onward by regional bus services toward Plévenon/Cap Fréhel. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place. Once you’re on the coast, the last kilometres are rural and scenic, but less frequent for public transport-so checking timetables in advance makes the day far smoother.

Buses can work well in season: regional BreizhGo services connect the Saint-Brieuc area via Erquy/Fréhel toward Plévenon, and summer-only routes may offer extra coastal links. If you're basing in Saint-Malo, it's often simplest to combine a bus leg with a taxi for the final hop, especially outside peak summer.

Driving is the most straightforward option for flexibility, and it's an easy coastal run from Saint-Malo, Dinard, or Dinan with paid parking at Cap Fréhel. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Phare du Cap Fréhel

  • Entrance fee: Adults: €3
  • Opening hours: (Winter) Thursday – Sunday: 14:00–17:30.
    (Summer + school holidays) Daily: 14:00–17:30.
  • Official website: https://www.dinan-capfrehel.com/sit/phare-du-cap-frehel/
  • Best time to visit: Aim for early morning or later afternoon for calmer paths and better light over the cliffs, especially in summer when midday crowds peak.
  • How long to spend: Plan on 60-90 minutes for the lighthouse and viewpoints, or 2-3 hours if you want a proper coastal walk and unhurried photo stops.
  • Accessibility: The area around the lighthouse has some manageable access, but the climb involves stairs and the coastal paths can be uneven and exposed in places.
  • Facilities: Expect basic amenities on-site or nearby in season; for a proper meal or a longer break, nearby towns like Fréhel or Erquy are more reliable.

Where to Stay Close to the Phare du Cap Fréhel

For a culture-heavy itinerary, base yourself in Saint-Malo for quick access to the walled city and day trips; for a nature-first break focused on cliffs and beaches, staying around Plévenon/Fréhel puts you closest to the coastal paths and sunrise or sunset visits.

If you want to be near the headland, Hôtel Le Trécelin is a practical, close-to-the-action base that keeps the lighthouse within easy reach. For a classic seaside feel with easy access to Cap Fréhel and the beaches of Sables-d’Or-les-Pins, Hôtel de Diane is a strong option. If you prefer a livelier coastal town with restaurants and harbour atmosphere (and you don’t mind a short drive), Hôtel Le Beauséjour pairs sea views with a great base for exploring the wider Côte d’Émeraude.

Is the Phare du Cap Fréhel Worth Visiting?

Yes-because it's more than a “quick lighthouse climb.” The real payoff is how the site combines a working maritime landmark with one of the most dramatic stretches of coastline in northern Brittany, and it delivers that sense of scale that's hard to get from towns alone. Even if you've already done the classic stops around Saint-Malo, Cap Fréhel feels like a different Brittany: wilder, windier, and all about the horizon.

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

For families, this is a high-reward outing as long as you treat it as a fresh-air adventure rather than a museum-style visit. The views are instant, the goal is clear (reach the top), and the surroundings make it easy to turn the trip into a picnic-and-walk kind of day.

Keep the pace relaxed and build in time for stops, because the cliffs and viewpoints naturally slow you down. If you’re visiting with very young children, focus on the lighthouse area and the more straightforward viewpoints, then save longer coastal paths for another day.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, Cap Fréhel is one of those places where the scenery does most of the work: open sea, rugged cliffs, and that cinematic light that changes every ten minutes. It’s especially good as a late-afternoon plan when you want a memorable moment without committing to a full-day excursion.

Make it feel special by pairing it with a nearby stop like Fort La Latte or a coastal dinner in Erquy or Fréhel. Even in shoulder season, the atmosphere is strong-just bring a warm layer and let the weather add to the drama.

Budget Travelers

This is a budget-friendly win because the coastline and viewpoints are the main attraction, and you can get a full experience without spending much beyond transport. If you’re travelling light, it’s also a great day to pack snacks and treat the headland as an outdoor “scenic loop” rather than a paid attraction.

To keep costs down, visit outside peak hours and plan your transport connections carefully so you're not forced into last-minute taxis. If you're based in Saint-Malo or Dinan, bundling Cap Fréhel with other coastal stops can also make the day feel better value for the travel time.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (3,671)

Lighthouse Cap Fréhel sits on dramatic, windswept cliffs offering wide, rugged coastal panoramas that appeal to walkers, photographers and nature lovers; the exterior and surrounding trails are free to explore while access inside requires a paid ticket, parking is available (small fee noted by visitors) with spaces for cars, bikes and some motorhomes, and there’s occasionally an ice cream van nearby; amenities are minimal—restrooms exist but are often described as basic or unpleasant, there’s no regular café or water sales, and conditions can be very windy, so bring supplies and dress appropriately.

Carmen Seghete
2 months ago
"Nice wild place; some trails around. No toilets, no coffee shop, nothing than wind and nice landscapes."
Didier Deslandes
a month ago
"Looking like the end of the world... Windy most of the time, wonderful landscapes around."
Hemaseh Moosavi
a year ago
"I recently visited Lighthouse Cap Fréhel, and it was a truly scenic spot. The area around the lighthouse offers breathtaking views of the ruggedcoastline and the vast sea, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and photographers. To visit inside the lighthouse, you need to buy a ticket, but the exterior area itself is worth exploring. The panoramic views from the surrounding cliffs are stu ing and provide a great opportunity for a relaxing walk. The parking costs 3 euros and is quite spacious, making it easy to find a spot. Near the parking area, there is a small, cute ice cream van offering a delightful treat. Additionally, there are some restrooms available for visitors. However, it’s important to note that there are no places to buy water or other refreshments, so be sure to bring your own supplies. Despite this, Lighthouse Cap Fréhel is a fantastic spot for a scenic day out, and I highly recommend it for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere...."

FAQs for Visiting the Phare du Cap Fréhel

Getting There

It sits on the Cap Fréhel headland in Plévenon, on Brittany’s north coast. The setting is rural and exposed, so it feels more “wild coastline” than town attraction.
A day trip by car is the most direct. Without a car, the smoothest plan is bus connections toward the coast, then a short taxi for the last stretch.
Use a station like Saint-Brieuc or Lamballe as your anchor point, then connect by regional bus toward Plévenon/Fréhel. Timetables vary by season, so it’s worth aligning your train arrival with the bus schedule.
Yes, parking is available close to the headland, which makes driving the easiest option. It’s especially worth it outside peak summer when public transport is less frequent.

Tickets & Entry

The headland viewpoints and coastal paths are free to enjoy. You only need a ticket if you want to climb the lighthouse.
Most individual visits work fine without booking, especially outside peak times. If you’re visiting with a large group, checking ahead is a smart move.
You get access to the climb and the viewing gallery at the top, plus the immediate lighthouse grounds. The wider experience comes from combining it with the cliffs and coastal paths around the site.

Visiting Experience

Even 45-60 minutes can be enough for the climb and the main viewpoints. If you can spare longer, the coastal walk is what makes the visit feel complete.
It can be spectacular in moody conditions, but strong winds may limit access and make the cliffs feel exposed. If it’s stormy, treat it as a quick viewpoint stop rather than a long walk.
Fort La Latte is the classic pairing and makes for a well-rounded half-day. Beaches around Sables-d’Or-les-Pins also work nicely if you want to slow the day down.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes-many Emerald Coast itineraries treat it as a headline stop alongside Fort La Latte. It’s one of those places that anchors a coastal day trip.
Most travellers do well independently because the site is intuitive and the views speak for themselves. A guide becomes more valuable if you want deeper context on coastal defence and navigation history.

Photography

Absolutely-cliffs, open sea, and fast-changing light make it rewarding in any season. Wide-angle shots from the viewpoints are great, and details like the lighthouse structure photograph beautifully too.
Late afternoon often delivers the most flattering light and a calmer atmosphere. Early morning can also be excellent if you want emptier paths and a crisp horizon.

Accessibility & Facilities

The climb involves stairs, so it’s best for visitors comfortable with sustained steps. If you’d rather avoid the climb, you can still enjoy excellent viewpoints around the site.
Yes, there are spots around the lighthouse area where you can pause and take in the view. For a longer rest, nearby towns are better for cafés and longer stops.

Nearby Attractions to the Phare du Cap Fréhel

  • Fort La Latte (Château de la Roche Goyon): A dramatic medieval fortress on the cliffs, packed with sea views and a strong sense of history.
  • Cap d’Erquy: Another rugged headland with excellent coastal paths, beaches, and a slightly quieter feel than Cap Fréhel.
  • Sables-d’Or-les-Pins: A broad sandy beach and seaside promenade that’s ideal for a relaxed swim-or-stroll break.
  • Erquy Port: A lively harbour town for seafood, coastal atmosphere, and an easy place to round off your day trip.
  • Pléneuf-Val-André: A classic Brittany resort town with a long beach and plenty of dining options for an easy coastal evening.

The Phare du Cap Fréhel, Plévenon appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Saint-Malo!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

(Winter) Thursday - Sunday: 14:00-17:30.

(Summer + school holidays) Daily: 14:00-17:30.

Price:

Adults: €3

Address: Cap Fréhel lighthouse, Plévenon, France
Saint-Malo: 22 km
Official Website

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