Créac'h Lighthouse, Ushant, France

The black-and-white striped tower on the western tip of Ushant, off Brittany, first lit in 1863. Its bands are a landmark for ships entering the English Channel, one of the busiest sea lanes on earth, and its light is usually described as the most powerful in Europe. The old keepers' buildings at its foot house the Ushant lighthouse and beacon museum, so a day trip from Le Conquet or Brest can cover both.