We embark from the port of Royan to visit Cordouan lighthouse. Located in theGironde estuary, 7 kilometers from the coast, the Cordouan lighthouse stands proudly in the middle of the waves. Ready for an unforgettable experience discovering the last lighthouse at sea open to the public?
Le Cordouan lighthouse can be visited at low tide, in the presence of the lighthouse keeperApril to All Saints. In holidays in Royan Atlantique, we plan a 1/2 day visit. And you have to book your cruise in advance with the company from Royan. If you are used to sailing and feel like a captain at heart, you can go directly to the lighthouse with your own boat and buy your entry ticket from the keeper, but beware of the currents!
Sea trip towards the Cordouan lighthouse
After 35 minute crossing, the captain of the cruise ship disembarks us as close as possible to the lighthouse. It is necessary to plan a suitable outfit because the lighthouse is deserved!
This gives us time to observe the wildlife and the sublime landscape around us. We take advantage of this unique moment in the middle of the Gironde estuary, we have the feeling of being privileged.
At the foot of the dike, the Keeper of the Cordouan Lighthouse is waiting for us to show us around the site and share his daily life with us. The Cordouan lighthouse is the oldest active French lighthouse. 4 guards live in turn in this unique place.
We open our eyes wide to discover the history of this lighthouse erected in the middle of the sea over the 6 floors of the Renaissance style.king's apartment to the first (even if none of them stayed there). Then we discover the Chapel paved with marble and featuring superb stained-glass windows on the second floor. Finally, the tour ends in the Girondins Room, from which the staircase leads to the lantern on the 6th floor.e.
After climbing the 301 steps, we attend one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the region. Silence, we are at the top of the King of Lighthouses. With its 68 meters high, it is one of the 10 highest in the world. In the distance, the point of the Coubre, the Wild side, the tip of the Médoc and the immensity of the Atlantic Ocean…
As all good things come to an end, our adventure ends by boat, back to our home port. A thought crosses our minds for the keeper, who stayed in this symbolic lighthouse surrounded by water at high tide...
Practical Info
- Possible visits from April to All Saints' Day with La Sirène Cruises from the port of Royan
- Average visit duration: 4 hours (45 min crossing outward – 2 hours stopover on site including 45 min guided tour – 45 min crossing back)
- Full adult price: from €51
- Book your cruise in advance (several days before in high season) in our tourist information offices
- Arrive 30 minutes before departure time at the boarding platform
- Bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, windbreaker depending on the weather conditions, suitable shoes (landing with your feet in the water – sometimes mid-thigh – and on the rocks), backpack to keep your hands free, lunch time picnic
- Animals are not accepted on the site
- Tip +: in the morning, the sea is calmer
Heading for Cordouan
Everything you need to know to visit the Cordouan lighthouse
How can I visit the Cordouan lighthouse?
Visits to the Cordouan lighthouse are only possible as part of an organized boat trip. Departures are from Royan or Le Verdon, with disembarkation at low tide to access the lighthouse.
What should I wear to visit the Cordouan lighthouse?
Appropriate clothing is essential: closed-toe shoes that can get wet, or boots (depending on the season) for walking on sand and rocks, a windbreaker, and comfortable clothing. Conditions at sea can be changeable.
When to visit the Cordouan lighthouse?
Visits are possible from April to October, depending on weather conditions and tides. The summer period remains the most favorable time to enjoy the visit.
Which city is closest to the Cordouan lighthouse?
The Cordouan lighthouse is located at sea, at the mouth of the Gironde estuary. The nearest towns to access it are Royan on the Charente-Maritime side and Le Verdon-sur-Mer on the Gironde side.
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