Cordouan lighthouse: fishing and 360° views

Visiting the Cordouan Lighthouse is like visiting the only lighthouse in the open sea open to the public. Access to the site is subject to tide times and coefficients which change each day, so it is important to find out the departure times before your visit. It is by boat that you will reach it, count approximately 45 min of navigation to join it. Once you have booked your trip, you will meet at Port Médoc in Le Verdon-sur-Mer. Don't forget to arrive 30 minutes before boarding!

Coming from far away? Beware of the transport time.

Count on:

1h30 drive from Lacanau

1h15 drive from Carcans-Maubuisson

50 minutes drive from Hourtin

Guided tour
At low tide, the lighthouse keepers welcome visitors, who are invited to discover this magical world. During this unforgettable experience, they will tell you the history of the building and its little secrets. As you climb the 301 steps, you will be rewarded with a spectacular arrival at the top. We advise you to bring binoculars to enjoy the splendid 360 degree view even more.
The guardians are available and happy to share with visitors and will be happy to tell you as much as possible about their unusual lifestyle. So don't hesitate to continue your visit with them!

Enjoying the tide
The rocky islet on which the lighthouse stands is completely covered at each high tide, providing a rich environment for plant and animal species. A spinner, bucket, magnifying glass and sketchbook are perfect tools for budding explorers.

Being in the open sea, the lighthouse is not so easily approached. Indeed, due to the sandbanks, currents and tides, you will have to walk for about 15 minutes on the sandbank before climbing the first steps.

To make sure you have a fabulous experience, here's what you need to bring:

Shoes that can go in the water, or that can be removed easily. And yes, we often start the visit with a footbath.

A windbreaker. It's blowing on the ocean!

A pair of binoculars. To enjoy the view even more.

A picnic for the morning outings. It's quite exceptional to have lunch in the middle of the ocean!

The little details that make the difference before or even after visiting this mythical place. Things to tell at the next family meal!

How high is the Cordouan lighthouse?
Almost 68 metres (67.5 to be precise). Enough to gain height when you reach the top.

Can you get to the Cordouan lighthouse on foot?
Located more than 4 km from the coast, it is inconceivable to get there on foot. This is why access to the sandbank on which the lighthouse is built is only possible by boat. It is then possible to enjoy a pleasant walk along the sandy island to the lighthouse.

Who built the Cordouan lighthouse?
For centuries, wooden fires were lit at the mouth of the estuary. But it was not until 1594 that Henry IV decided to have a lighthouse erected there to celebrate the Catholic monarchy and show the importance of his reign. The appearance we know today dates from 1790 with construction under the direction of the engineer Teulière.

Is the Cordouan lighthouse inhabited?
Yes, and it is even the last lighthouse still inhabited in France. Guards take turns to maintain this unique place.