
Phare de Grosse-Terre
An iconic Vendée lighthouse offering breathtaking ocean panoramas and a charming coastal park for seaside strolls.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning photos

Phare de Grosse-Terre
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic Vendée lighthouse offering breathtaking ocean panoramas and a charming coastal park for seaside strolls.
"A magnificent view and access to the rocky beach. A must-see if you're in the area!"

🌅 Sunset Magic
The lighthouse is particularly beautiful at sunset. Don't miss this golden hour!
🚶♀️ Seaside Strolls
Enjoy a peaceful walk along the coast and admire the ocean views.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Phare de Grosse-Terre
Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez
An iconic sentinel offering panoramic ocean views and a picturesque seaside stroll.

Rocky Ledges & Sea Access
Base of the lighthouse
Explore the rugged coastline and discover marine life from the steps leading down to the sea.

Villa Feu de Grosse Terre
Adjacent to the lighthouse
A charming villa offering a different architectural perspective near the lighthouse.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Coastal Views & Accessibility
Best Photo Spots
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Sunset Magic
The lighthouse is particularly beautiful at sunset. Don't miss this golden hour!
🚶♀️ Seaside Strolls
Enjoy a peaceful walk along the coast and admire the ocean views.
🌊 Rocky Exploration
Steps lead down to the sea; great for kids to discover marine life.
📸 Photogenic Spot
This landmark is a must-see for its scenic beauty and coastal panorama.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Sunset Magic
The lighthouse is particularly beautiful at sunset. Don't miss this golden hour!
🚶♀️ Seaside Strolls
Enjoy a peaceful walk along the coast and admire the ocean views.
🌊 Rocky Exploration
Steps lead down to the sea; great for kids to discover marine life.
📸 Photogenic Spot
This landmark is a must-see for its scenic beauty and coastal panorama.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Phare de Grosse-Terre for its stunning ocean views and picturesque setting, making it an ideal spot for seaside strolls and photography, especially at sunset. While you can't enter the lighthouse, the accessible rocky ledges and the charming nearby villa add to its appeal.
"This lighthouse is located on rocky cliffs, overlooking the Atlantic and Ile d'Yeu. You can't visit the building itself but it's a nice park to walk around and there are steps leading down to the sea, though I wouldn't recommend going for a swim."
Emma Schouten
"Great time, the lighthouse is very beautiful and we have the possibility of going down to the ledge below using a staircase which is nearby, the children discovered and saw lots of species it's really great"
Verdaine Amandine
"A magnificent view and access to the rocky beach. A must-see if you're in the area!"
Laura P.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The lighthouse is located in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez on the Vendée coast. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Many visitors include it as part of a broader tour of the Vendée region.
While specific public transport routes might vary, it's generally best reached by car. Check local bus schedules for Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you cannot visit the interior of the lighthouse building itself. The main attraction is the exterior view and the surrounding park.
There is no entrance fee to visit the park and admire the Phare de Grosse-Terre from the outside. It's a free public space.
The area around the lighthouse is generally accessible at all times, as it's an outdoor public space. However, it's best enjoyed during daylight hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy a beautiful seaside stroll, take photos of the lighthouse and the ocean, and explore the rocky ledges accessible by nearby steps. It's a great spot for nature observation.
Yes, families often enjoy the easy access to the coast and the opportunity for children to discover marine species on the rocky ledges.
Expect magnificent panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Vendée coast, including a distant view of the Île d'Yeu.
While specific facilities directly at the lighthouse are minimal, the town of Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez offers amenities like restaurants and shops nearby.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset offers the most dramatic lighting for capturing the lighthouse and the ocean. Early mornings can also provide beautiful, serene shots.
Its striking silhouette against the vast Atlantic, the rugged coastal landscape, and the charming nearby villa make it a very photogenic subject.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing binoculars for a closer look at the sea and the distant Île d'Yeu. The nearby Villa Feu de Grosse Terre also offers a picturesque backdrop for family photos. It's a refreshing break from more structured attractions, offering a taste of the natural beauty of the Vendée coast.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different focal lengths to capture both the grand panorama of the ocean and the details of the lighthouse structure. The rocky ledges provide excellent foreground elements, adding depth to your shots. Don't forget to capture the nearby Villa Feu de Grosse Terre for a complementary subject.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Coastal Landscape
This location is particularly renowned for its panoramic vistas, offering a clear sightline to the Île d'Yeu in the distance. The photogenic nature of the lighthouse, especially when framed against the ocean, makes it a popular spot for photographers. The nearby Villa Feu de Grosse Terre adds another layer of visual interest, providing a charming architectural contrast to the natural landscape.
It's important to note that while access to the ledges is possible, swimming is generally not recommended due to the rocky and potentially rough conditions. The experience is more about appreciating the raw beauty of the coastline and the enduring presence of the lighthouse as a sentinel.
The Lighthouse as a Landmark
Its distinctive appearance and prominent location have made it a beloved landmark for locals and visitors alike. The lighthouse is often featured in local art and photography, symbolizing the maritime heritage of the Vendée region. Its presence adds a sense of history and permanence to the otherwise dynamic coastal environment.
While its primary function is navigational, its aesthetic appeal has transformed it into a tourist attraction in its own right. It's a focal point for enjoying the seaside and appreciating the engineering that guides ships safely to shore.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit