Cordouan lighthouse: a historic monument not to be missed
Just 50 minutes from the Cordouan lighthouse, our 4-star campsite in Gironde offers the ideal stopover to admire this emblematic monument on the Gironde estuary. Discover its history and enjoy a breathtaking view from the heights.
After your visit to the Cordouan lighthouse, return to the comfort and tranquillity of our campsite for an unforgettable experience combining nature, relaxation and discovery.
Discovering the Cordouan Lighthouse
The Cordouan lighthouse, the emblematic guardian of the Gironde estuary in southwest France, is a living witness to over 400 years of history, and a must-see during your Gironde vacation. Built on a rocky islet in the middle of the sea, at the entrance to the river, it has stood the test of time while maintaining its mission: to guide sailors through these sometimes capricious waters. Nicknamed “the king of lighthouses” or “the lighthouse of kings”, the Cordouan lighthouse is much more than a simple light signal; it’s a true work of art and a symbol of royal power. You’ll leave the Phare de Cordouan with your mind full of images!
The origins of the Cordouan lighthouse
The Cordouan lighthouse traces its origins back to the 14th century, when the Prince of Aquitaine, Edward de Woodstock, had a fire tower erected on Cordouan Island. This first construction, known as the “Black Prince’s Tower”, was intended to guide ships through the Gironde estuary, a perilous area where shipwrecks were frequent. Every night, a hermit would light a fire at the top of the tower to signal the presence of the island and the sandbanks, an essential device for maritime safety at the time.
The birth of a royal lighthouse
In the 16th century, the Prince Noir tower fell into ruin, and shipwrecks continued to multiply. In 1584, Henri III decided to build a proper lighthouse in place of the old tower. This ambitious project was entrusted to the architect Louis de Foix, who designed a large-scale lighthouse to symbolize the royal power. After years of construction marked by the Wars of Religion and considerable technical challenges, the Cordouan Lighthouse was completed in 1611, under the reign of Henri IV. At 37 meters high, it was adorned with a royal chapel and became a symbol of monarchic authority.
A lighthouse of the Enlightenment and a scientific laboratory
In the 18th century, the Cordouan lighthouse was in need of renovation. Architect Joseph Teulère enlarged the tower in 1786, increasing its height by more than 20 meters to improve the range of light. This enabled the lighthouse to take on its current shape. A century later, in 1823, the Cordouan lighthouse became an engineering laboratory when Augustin Fresnel experimented with his stepped lens. This invention revolutionized lighthouse lighting, and is now used all over the world.
Today, the Cordouan lighthouse remains functional and continues to guide sailors, with modern lighting and surveillance provided by the Service des Phares et Balises.
Life at Cordouan lighthouse
The Cordouan lighthouse, subject to powerful winds and incessant tides, requires constant attention and rigorous maintenance. Since its construction in 1611, it has undergone numerous phases of restoration and work to ensure its longevity. The last lighthouse in France still inhabited year-round, the Cordouan Lighthouse is home to a team of keepers who take turns to watch over the monument and the safety of the site. Their role goes far beyond simple surveillance: they maintain the lighthouse on a daily basis, welcome visitors during the tourist season, and play an active role in preserving the rocky plateau, a fragile environment harboring a unique biodiversity.
Visit the Cordouan lighthouse
The Cordouan lighthouse, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is impressive in terms of its size and history. At 67.5 metres high, it is one of the highest lighthouses in France. To reach the top, you’ll have to climb the 301 steps to the lantern, where a 360° panoramic view of the Gironde estuary awaits you, enough to take some pretty pictures and leave with your head full of images!
At the top of the Cordouan lighthouse, you’ll discover the lantern room, closed to the public but witness to centuries of lighting innovation. Indeed, it was here that, for generations, engineers tested and perfected technologies to improve the lighthouse’s visibility. Today, the lantern is equipped with a 250-watt bulb, providing a powerful light visible from 40 kilometers out to sea.
An impressive technological heritage that enables the Cordouan lighthouse to fulfill its mission brilliantly, while remaining true to its history.
Preparing your visit to Cordouan lighthouse
The Cordouan Lighthouse, accessible from April to October, invites you to enjoy a unique experience, but requires good preparation. The Cordouan Lighthouse is only accessible by boat. You have the choice of bringing your own boat or hiring a company. From our campsite, you’ll need to drive for around 30 minutes, then take the Blaye-Lamarque ferry (at Lamarque) for 10 minutes. We advise you to arrive 30 minutes early at the transport company’s kiosk to guarantee your boarding.
The visit to the Cordouan lighthouse lasts around 1h30 and is self-guided with the help of a tour booklet. The lighthouse is reached after a short 20-minute walk on the sand. We advise you to bring suitable footwear (avoid flip-flops) and comfortable clothing. In view of the weather conditions and the natural setting, remember to bring a windbreaker, cap, sunscreen and water.
Don’t forget that swimming at the Cordouan lighthouse is forbidden and that walking around it is at your own risk. To preserve the environment, we apply a zero waste policy, so remember to take your garbage with you.
Don’t wait any longer to discover the Cordouan Lighthouse, in south-west France, from our 4-star campsite in Hourtin! Book your stay with us now and be sure to enjoy this 400-year-old jewel.