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Perros-Guirec Lighthouse: The Mean Ruz and Its History
Perched on the rocks at Ploumanac’h, the Perros-Guirec lighthouse is one of Brittany’s most photographed landmarks. A must-see during your stay at our campsite in Perros-Guirec, this lighthouse – known as Mean Ruz – watches over the harbour entrance and the Pink Granite Coast. Behind its imposing silhouette lies an eventful history, marked by the Second World War. Here’s everything you need to know about this famous lighthouse: its history, its architecture and the best way to explore it!
Summary of the Article
- A symbol of the Pink Granite Coast: The Mean Ruz Lighthouse, located in Ploumanac’h near Perros-Guirec, is one of the region’s most iconic landmarks. Built from local pink granite, it blends seamlessly into the spectacular landscape of rocks sculpted by the sea.
- A lighthouse steeped in history: The first lighthouse was built in 1860 to safeguard the entrance to the port of Ploumanac’h. Destroyed during World War II, it was rebuilt after the war using pink granite and later automated.
- A must-see for visitors: Accessible on foot via the famous Sentier des Douaniers (GR®34) trail, the lighthouse offers magnificent views of the pink granite rock formations, Costaérès Castle, Renote Island, and the Sept-Îles archipelago.
- A prime spot for admiring the Breton countryside: Even though visitors can’t go inside, the Mean Ruz Lighthouse is a very popular spot for walks, photos, and sunsets, set amid an exceptional natural environment.
- The Perros-Guirec lighthouse, known as Mean Ruz, stands in Ploumanac’h on the Pink Granite Coast. It is 15 meters tall and is built entirely of pink granite from La Clarté. Its Breton name, Men Ruz, means “red stone.” Destroyed in 1944, it was rebuilt between 1946 and 1948. The interior is not open to visitors, but the site is still accessible on foot.
The Mean Ruz Lighthouse, the symbol of Ploumanac’h
The Perros-Guirec lighthouse stands on a promontory of pink granite at the entrance to the channel leading to the port of Ploumanac’h. Standing 15 meters tall and built of pink granite from La Clarté, it blends seamlessly into the rugged rocky landscape surrounding it. This perfect harmony between the stone and the landscape is what makes it so unique.
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Its name, Mean Ruz, comes from the Breton expression *Men Ruz*, which means “red stone.” The lighthouse owes its warm hue to this local granite with its pinkish sheen. Now an emblem of Ploumanac’h, it appears on countless postcards and photographs of the coast.
A history shaped by World War II
The first lighthouse in Perros-Guirec was built in 1860 at the request of the local residents. Its construction followed a petition launched after a tragic shipwreck in this area, which was known to be dangerous for ships. For nearly 80 years, it guided sailors along the Pink Granite Coast.
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On August 4, 1944, retreating German troops blew up the structure. ThePerros-Guirec lighthouse that we admire today was rebuilt between 1946 and 1948, based on plans by architects Henry Auffret and Joël Hardion. Automated in 1947, it now projects a light visible up to about 20 kilometers offshore.
What is there to see around the Perros-Guirec lighthouse?
The Mean Ruz Lighthouse standsin one of the most beautiful settings on the Pink Granite Coast. All around it, granite boulders with striking shapes plunge into a sea of shifting hues. The panoramic view reveals several of the area’s most famous sites.
From the base of the lighthouse, you can see, among other things:
- Costaérès Castle, perched on its small island across from Saint-Guirec Beach.
- Renote Island, a wild peninsula connected to Trégastel.
- The Sept-Îles Archipelago, an offshore bird sanctuary.
This exceptional setting makes the lighthouse a must-see stop on any stroll through Ploumanac’h.
How can you explore the Perros-Guirec lighthouse?
The Perros-Guirec lighthouse is easily reached on foot via the Sentier des Douaniers. This section of the GR34 trail runs along the coast from the port of Ploumanac’h and offers the most beautiful views of the lighthouse. The walk is accessible to everyone, depending on the tides and the light.
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The interior of the lighthouse is not open to the public, as it is a technical facility that is still in operation. However, the surrounding area is open to the public year-round.
Good to know: To photograph the Mean Ruz Lighthouse at its most picturesque, come at the end of the day, when the pink granite glows in the setting sun. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes, as the path leads over rocks that can be uneven in places.
What if your next trip to Brittany took you on a journey to explore the lighthouses of the Pink Granite Coast?
Between a coastal stroll and a sunset, the Perros-Guirec lighthouse promises an unforgettable experience. Book your cabin at Village Perrosien and set out on foot to explore Mean Ruz and Ploumanac’h!
