Cordouan Lighthouse, Renaissance lighthouse at Gironde estuary, France
The white stone tower rises 67 meters above a rocky plateau, marking the entrance to the largest estuary in Europe with its bright signal.
Construction of the lighthouse began in 1584 under architect Louis de Foix, taking nearly three decades to complete during the reign of Henri IV.
Each floor of the lighthouse contains decorative elements, including a marble-floored chapel and royal apartments that represent French architectural excellence.
Access to the lighthouse requires boat transportation from Royan or Le Verdon-sur-mer, with tours operating according to tide schedules from April to October.
The structure served as the first testing site for Augustin Fresnel's revolutionary optical equipment in 1823, leading to worldwide changes in maritime navigation.
Location: Le Verdon-sur-Mer
Inception: 1615
Height: 67.5 m
Made from material: stone
Website: https://phare-de-cordouan.fr
GPS coordinates: 45.58632,-1.17332
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:36
This French region contains medieval castles, underground churches, prehistoric caves and remote villages. From Dordogne to the Pyrenees, visitors encounter historical structures, natural formations and cultural sites. The region features Roman collegiate churches, fortresses carved into rock and lighthouses on the Atlantic coast.
Maritime lighthouses guiding ships along the coasts of metropolitan France. Stone, granite, and limestone towers rise on capes, islands, and peninsulas. These historical structures, dating from the 17th to 20th century, ensure maritime navigation. Notable lighthouses include Cordouan, the oldest active lighthouse in France, and Île Vierge, the highest stone structure in Europe. Some are positioned at sea, like La Jument and La Vieille, others on the coast like Eckmühl with its 307 steps. These lighthouses demonstrate French maritime engineering.
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