Phare de Cordouan

Lighthouse in La Rochelle

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Rémih

Le Phare de Cordouan, nicknamed the “king of lighthouses” and the “lighthouse of kings,” is a landmark of French maritime history. Located at the mouth of the Gironde estuary, about 7 kilometres off the coast, it is the oldest lighthouse in France still in operation. Construction began in 1584 under the architect Louis de Foix, by order of King Henry III, and was completed in 1611. Designed as a royal monument, the lighthouse combines practical function with grand Renaissance architecture, reflecting the ambition to create a structure worthy of the ancient Wonders of the World.

Architecturally, the Cordouan Lighthouse is a masterpiece of the Renaissance, inspired by Roman mausoleums and the palaces of its time. Standing 68 metres tall, it comprises several levels, including a chapel decorated with stained glass windows and a royal apartment—although no monarch ever stayed there. Over the centuries, the lighthouse has undergone modifications, most notably in the late 18th century when engineer Joseph Teulère raised its height while preserving its original style and incorporating the latest technological improvements of the period.

Today, the Cordouan Lighthouse is the only offshore lighthouse in France still inhabited by keepers, and one of the few open to the public. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in July 2021, recognising its cultural and historical significance. Visitors can access the lighthouse at low tide, typically via boat trips from Le Verdon-sur-Mer or Royan. Once ashore, they can climb the 311 steps to the lantern and enjoy panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean and the Gironde estuary.

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

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