The Cordouan lighthouse, at the mouth of the Gironde, is a unique monument, often nicknamed the Versailles of the sea. Built on a rock at the mouth of the estuary, it was erected in the late 16th century and raised in the 18th century, and remains the oldest lighthouse in France still in operation. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It is reached by boat from Royan or from the Pointe de Grave, at low tide, and you discover its salons, chapel and spiral staircase before reaching the lantern, which offers a panoramic view over the estuary and the ocean. Every detail of its architecture makes it as much a masterpiece as a navigation tool.
The Cordouan lighthouse can be visited in season, depending on tides and weather, and must be booked in advance. It fits a stay in Royan or the Médoc, with Talmont-sur-Gironde and the Pointe de Grave nearby.