Phare de Cordouan

Lighthouse near La Rochelle

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Rémih

The Phare de Cordouan is one of the must-see places in the Gironde region, a striking fusion of engineering brilliance and Renaissance artistry standing alone in the vast Atlantic. Known as the “king of lighthouses” and the “lighthouse of kings,” it has watched over the entrance to the Gironde estuary since the early seventeenth century. Its dramatic isolated setting and rich royal heritage make it a great place to visit on a walking tour of Royan or a maritime excursion from nearby coastal towns, offering visitors an unforgettable experience at sea.

Construction began under Louis de Foix in 1584 and took nearly three decades to complete. The structure’s grandeur was intentional: designed as a royal monument to rival the architectural wonders of the ancient world, it blended practical maritime function with a level of ornamentation rarely seen in lighthouses. Today, its elegant stonework, chapel, and keepers’ quarters reveal centuries of adaptation, devotion, and technological innovation.

History and Significance of Phare de Cordouan
Things to See and Do in Phare de Cordouan
How to Get to Phare de Cordouan
Practical Tips on Visiting Phare de Cordouan
Where to Stay close to Phare de Cordouan
Is Phare de Cordouan Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Phare de Cordouan
Nearby Attractions to Phare de Cordouan

History and Significance of Phare de Cordouan

The story of the Cordouan Lighthouse begins with King Henry III’s ambition to build a beacon worthy of France’s growing maritime power. Architect Louis de Foix oversaw its construction between 1584 and 1611, creating a tower inspired by Roman funerary monuments and Renaissance palaces. This monumental design set Cordouan apart from all other lighthouses of its era, establishing it as a symbol of royal authority and architectural mastery.

Throughout its history, the lighthouse has undergone significant enhancements. In the late eighteenth century, engineer Joseph Teulère raised its height and introduced structural improvements that preserved the tower’s elegant style while incorporating advances in lighthouse technology. Despite these additions, the building’s Renaissance character remained intact, highlighting the careful balance between preservation and adaptation.

In July 2021, Phare de Cordouan was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, recognising its exceptional cultural heritage as both a functioning lighthouse and a masterpiece of maritime architecture. It also holds the distinction of being the only offshore lighthouse in France still inhabited by its keepers, preserving centuries-old traditions of vigilance and craftsmanship.

Things to See and Do in Phare de Cordouan

Visiting the Phare de Cordouan is a rare opportunity to step inside a centuries-old lighthouse still performing its original role. Boat trips from Royan or Le Verdon-sur-Mer carry visitors across the estuary to the lighthouse's tidal platform, accessible only at low tide. The journey itself offers expansive views of the Atlantic and the estuary.

Inside, visitors can explore multiple levels connected by a winding staircase of 311 steps. Highlights include the chapel, with its stained glass windows and elegant stone vaulting, and the royal apartment, a richly designed space intended for monarchs who never came. The lighthouse’s interior reveals a blend of Renaissance design and later technical enhancements, making it a fascinating study in historical architecture.

The ascent culminates at the lantern level, where panoramic views stretch over the Gironde, the coastline, and the open ocean. This vantage point underscores the importance of the lighthouse for maritime navigation and rewards visitors with one of the most spectacular outlooks in the region.

How to Get to Phare de Cordouan

Reaching the Cordouan Lighthouse requires planning, as it is accessible only by boat and at low tide. The nearest airport is Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport, which connects the region to France and numerous international destinations. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to La Rochelle on Booking.com.

Travellers coming by train can reach Royan or Le Verdon-sur-Mer via regional services, from where boat trips to the lighthouse depart seasonally. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place.

Visitors arriving by car will find parking available near both departure points along the coast, making it easy to join scheduled excursions. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Boat operators in Royan and Le Verdon-sur-Mer offer timed departures based on tide schedules, and advance booking is strongly recommended during peak season.

Practical Tips on Visiting Phare de Cordouan

Suggested tips: Wear sturdy shoes, as the lighthouse platform can be slippery during low tide.
Best time to visit: Spring to early autumn when boat services operate regularly.
Entrance fee: Boat trip fees apply; lighthouse entry usually included in ticket price.
Opening hours: Dependent on tides and boat operators; generally open during daylight low tides.
Official website: Check local tourism or boat operator sites for updated schedules.
How long to spend: Around 3-4 hours including the boat trip, landing, and climb.
Accessibility: Not suitable for those with reduced mobility due to stairs and tidal access.
Facilities: Limited; basic amenities available on boats but not at the lighthouse.
Photography tip: Capture the lighthouse from the boat for dramatic angles, and from the lantern for sweeping panoramas.
Guided tours: Many boat excursions include guided commentary about history and architecture.
Nearby food options: Dining options are available in Royan and Le Verdon-sur-Mer near the departure docks.

Where to Stay close to Phare de Cordouan

Most visitors stay in nearby coastal towns with easy access to departure points. In Royan, convenient options include Hôtel Cordouan by Thalazur, offering sea views and spa facilities. Travellers preferring a central stay may choose Le Crystal Hôtel, close to beaches and harbour amenities. For those departing from Le Verdon-sur-Mer, Hôtel Les Terrasses du Port provides easy access to boat excursions.

Is Phare de Cordouan Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. The Phare de Cordouan is a remarkable blend of maritime engineering, Renaissance artistry, and dramatic coastal scenery. Its UNESCO status, unique offshore setting, and enduring presence of lighthouse keepers make it one of the most extraordinary heritage sites in France. For travellers seeking memorable and meaningful adventures, a visit to Cordouan is both inspiring and unforgettable.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (8,736)

Lighthouse of La Coubre in La Tremblade is a slender red-and-white tower offering sea and forest panoramas from the top; visitors note about 300 steps to climb, a gift shop where tickets are obtained, nearby parking (with an overflow lot a short walk away), and reasonable entrance fees, and praise the spectacular views, sunsets, pleasant walks along preserved dunes and beaches, and a popular, well-loved atmosphere that can mean longer waits at busy times.

Justin Meighan

5 months ago

"A must visit if you are in the area. La Coubre is stroking and iconic, dominating the landscape around it. For the Dubs/Irish tourists, it throws offPoolbeg vibes given it's size and coloring. 1 ton of paint was used to make it more visible... probably not an exaggeration when u stand next to it! You can drive up and park beside the lighthouse. This car park is not huge, if it's full there is another huge one a short 5 minute walk away. It was €11 for a family for 4 to visit which is reasonable. U get your ticket in the gift shop to the left of the lighthouse entrance. 300 steps later and you have a fantastic view of the surrounding beach and countryside...."

See More See Less

hisham abu rashed

6 months ago

"If you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth a visit! It’s about 300 steps to reach, but not too difficult. The ticket costs 4 euros, and parking iseasy to find...."

See More See Less

Rob's Hampshire Pub Walks

3 months ago

"Fantastic views from this iconic lighthouse. Always double the estimated wait time though, we all love a lighthouse"

FAQs for Visiting Phare de Cordouan

By boat only, departing from Royan or Le Verdon-sur-Mer at low tide.

The 311 steps are manageable for most visitors, but not suitable for those with limited mobility.

No, visits depend on tides and boat schedules, typically operating from spring to early autumn.

Yes, but supervision is essential, especially on the tidal platform and stairs.

Nearby Attractions to Phare de Cordouan

Plage de Pontaillac: A lively Royan beach with surf spots, cafés, and coastal views.
Église Notre-Dame de Royan: A striking post-war church known for its bold modernist architecture.
Parc de l’Estuaire: A scenic nature park overlooking the Gironde estuary.
Port de Royan: A bustling marina with restaurants and promenades.
Phare de Grave: A coastal lighthouse near Le Verdon-sur-Mer offering panoramic views across the estuary.

The Phare de Cordouan appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting La Rochelle!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!