Exploring the windswept, beautiful, and dramatic landscape of the region is an absolute must for those who have found a vacation rental in Brittany. It is an utterly picturesque part of the world that rewards those who venture out without any real plan and simply drive or walk and take in all that is around them. However, if you prefer to know for certain what sorts of gorgeous scenes you might take in on your travels, then it is worth taking note of a few different landmarks in the area. There are many worth mentioning in this impossibly scenic part of France, of course, far too many to cover in any single article, but a particularly lovely spot that we think you should take in as you explore Brittany has to be the Phare du Petit Minou, or the Petit Minou Lighthouse, in the commune of Plouzané, facing the Fort du Petit Minou.
While not usually directly accessible to the public (though visits were offered last summer), you can, however, admire this pretty lighthouse in its surroundings and, really, that is its biggest selling point. One more spot to stop next to (or nearby) and take in as you drive along and marvel at the coast of Brittany, it paints a truly charming picture: historic and elegant, the building juts out from the craggy and dramatic coastline and is accessed by a pretty stone bridge. The Fort du Petit Minou, its neighbour, was built between 1694 and 1697 and was constructed to defend the Goulet de Brest. As the waters offshore from this important military stronghold are famously treacherous, it was decided to build a lighthouse at the front of the fort in order to aid navigation though the Goulet de Brest strait and the addition of a lighthouse was requested by the French Navy in 1839. Due to various complications and issues, the Phare du Petit Minou was only actually constructed in 1848, however. One of dozens of lighthouses along the stormy shores of Brittany, it is a particularly popular one to stop alongside as the combination of the view from this point and the glow from the lighthouse at night are especially charming. Located in line with the Portzic lighthouse, the Petit Minou marks the entrance of the harbour of Brest and measures 26m above land level and 34m above high sea level.
The area around the lighthouse is a popular destination for walkers, hikers, and geocachers exploring the area. Petit Minou, the beach below, meanwhile, is a hotspot for surfers and Brest is a busy port with ships coming and going all the time. There is, therefore, always plenty of activity and plenty to see and keep you entertained in the area. Those coming to take in the views at this point can also partake in the various aforementioned activities offered locally as well, making the most of their trip and this picturesque part of the world. Of course, simply parking somewhere safe and taking a moment to sit back, really relax, admire those remarkable views, breathe in the delicious fresh coastal air, and just watch as the world goes by is highly recommended and reason enough in its own right for you to make your way to the Phare du Petit Minou.
So, if you have always wanted to explore the incredible beauty of the landscape and coastline, in particular, of this part of France then be sure to browse our wonderful holiday rentals in Brittany and plan a trip to take it all in with your own eyes, including this charming lighthouse and the scenery around it.
