Cordouan Lighthouse

Le Verdon-sur-Mer, France

Cordouan lighthouse is located 7 kilometres at sea, near the mouth of the Gironde estuary in France. At a height of 67.5 metres, it is the tenth-tallest 'traditional lighthouse' in the world.

The Tour de Cordouan, the 'Patriarch of Lighthouses', is by far the oldest lighthouse in France. It was designed by leading Paris architect Louis de Foix, and is something of a Renaissance masterpiece, an amalgam of royal palace, cathedral and fort. Started in 1584 and finished in 1611, it still stands today. Three stories were added in the 18th century.

It was listed as a historic monument in 1862, and recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2021.

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 1584-1611
Category: Miscellaneous historic sites in France

Rating

4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

annie roux (2 years ago)
Beautiful restoration, unexpected architecture, nice sailing and special thanks to the office lady who called me to make sure I would make it on time and waited for me with the ticket to make sure I could board even though I was a few minutes late. Very much appreciated! All in all I am super happy I could make it!
Liz Senser (3 years ago)
From start to finish an amazing experience! We booked with Phare de Siren. A well orchestrated crew from Captain on down. Highly recommend.
EDITH FIESTAS (4 years ago)
Cool!
Fred H. (5 years ago)
Amazing moment! You take a boat trip to the sea then a boat-truck ride to the lighthouse. The boat floats then rides the bottom of the ocean. Depending of the tides, you may have to walk 10 minutes on the sand/bottom of the ocean at some point to reach the boat-truck, that was a unique experience! The lighthouse is beautiful, the last one inhabited in the world. The wardens are also giides, friendly and funny. A MUST DO!
Alex W (5 years ago)
Absolutely stunning! The most amazing lighthouse I've ever seen. Right out in the ocean and takes a while to get there by boat. The interior is beautiful and includes a chapel and king's room complete with fireplaces. The view from the top - the ocean in all directions is stunning. Not to be missed!
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Château du Lude

The Château du Lude is one of the many great châteaux of the Loire Valley in France. Le Lude is the most northerly château of the Loire Valley and one of the last important historic castles in France, still inhabited by the same family for the last 260 years. The château is testimony to four centuries of French architecture, as a stronghold transformed into an elegant house during the Renaissance and the 18th century. The monument is located in the valley of Le Loir. Its gardens have evolved throughout the centuries.