Seven kilometers off the coasts of Royan and Verdon-sur-Mer, between the immense arms of the Gironde and the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, stands a lighthouse of rare majesty: the Cordouan lighthouse. Built on the open sea more than four centuries ago, this monument of timeless charm is a feat of maritime architecture.
Between the ballet of the tides and the blowing of the wind, Cordouan watches over the horizon, indifferent to the passing of time, faithful guardian of navigators. Its light, visible up to 40 km at sea, has guided boats with its three regular flashes, like the beating of eyelashes, since 1611.
Under the Gironde sky, a palace of light and salt
Nicknamed “the king of lighthouses”Cordouan is much more than a simple maritime landmark. It is a masterpiece of architecture, originally designed to resemble a palace on the water. Its elegant silhouette is silhouetted in the distance, on the rocky islet which serves as its pedestal. He is the last inhabited sea lighthouse in Francea unique monument listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021. A deserved honor for this 67.5 meter high tower, which alone tells the story of the great times of navigation.
Built to replace a medieval lighthouse, Cordouan was first the work of engineer Louis de Foix at the request of King Henry III, then completed under Henry IV. The nobility of its materials and the finesse of its details are more reminiscent of a castle than a simple lighthouse. Its cut stones, its interior chapels and its decorated balustrades make it a feat of aesthetics. Cordoba has, over the centuries, been both a guide for sailors and a testimony to the excellence of the engineers of the Kingdom of France.
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In the shadow of the royal balustrades, a timeless lighthouse
The Cordouan lighthouse has never ceased to fulfill its role, shining its powerful light into the marine darkness. Even today, despite technological developments, this stone giant remains under human vigilance. The successive guardians watch day and night to ensure that its fire never goes out.. This fire, formerly fueled by coal, then by rapeseed oil, is today electric, powered by a 250 watt bulb and an automated system. However, the presence of guards is crucial to monitor its systems, maintain the structure and welcome visitors. Every day, the soul of Cordouan continues to vibrate to the rhythm of its shards, three every 12 seconds.
Beyond its utilitarian function, this lighthouse is also a living legend. From the industrial revolution to world heritage status, Cordouan has spanned the centuries, unchanging in the face of the vagaries of the sea. Generations of guardians have left their mark, passing on the history of this giant through the ages. Today, it opens its doors to the curious, offering a unique experience to those who embark on the adventure of visiting it.
Accessible from April to October, an exit to Cordouan is being prepared to the rhythm of the tides. From Royan or Le Verdon-sur-Mer, boats lead to this fascinating place. After a 30-minute crossing, Cordouan reveals itself, like a mirage on the open sea. The visit to the place, although limited, is a real journey into the past. On the program: a climb of 301 steps to the top, breathtaking panoramas, and a dive into the history of lighthouses and navigation.
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