Types of visits
Self-guided tour, themed visit or treasure hunt, choose the option that suits you and let yourself be amazed!
The visits
Departing from Royan or Verdon-sur-Mer, you embark for an outing of about 4 hours.
After a boat ride of about 45 minutes, the keepers welcome you at the lighthouse and will show you the monument. The end of the visit is carried out freely with a visit booklet that presents the history and specificities of this exceptional place.
The visit of the lighthouse lasts on average 1h30.
Access to the tower is restricted and, depending on traffic, may be limited to 30 minutes. Visitors may then be asked to wait before accessing this part of the lighthouse. Trust the keepers! They will adapt the duration of your visit as best as possible depending on the attendance. The visit of the crown can be carried out freely, in addition to the visit of the tower.
If you do not wish to follow the comments of the keepers, you can visit the lighthouse independently.
Upon reservation and depending on capacity, guided tours in English can also be offered.
Treasure hunt
Are you coming with the family? Discover the lighthouse while having fun!
The children (accompanied by at least 1 adult) go in search of 6 hidden clues in the monument. On each clue there is a riddle to decipher (rebus, charade…). Once all the riddles have been deciphered, the treasure is yours!
Game suitable for children from 6 to 11 years old. €3 booklet for sale on site with the keepers.
You like Cordouan and want to learn more about it?
Good news, Cordouan lighthouse is admirable from anywhere! Monuments and museums offer you another approach to the monument.
Cordouan lighthouse museum and the museum of Lighthouses and Beacons
At the foot of Grave lighthouse in Verdon, the museum presents Cordouan to those who cannot visit. It offers a sample of the functioning of the lighthouses and beacons and presents the marine signals found in the mouth of the estuary.
The estuary park
In Saint-Georges-de-Didonne, the exposition “Estuary lights” reveals the incredible nature at the foot of Cordouan lighthouse. Rare animals, both large and small, come to these waters rich in nutrients. Beauty is everywhere.
Royan museum
In the old Pontillac market, Royan museum is at the heart of a historical neighborhood. The permanent exhibition presents the estuary, the Cordouan lighthouse and the pilots of the Gironde.
Want to discover Gironde estuary?
Are you looking for lodgings in the region before or after your visit to Cordouan lighthouse, information on activities on offer or events in the region, restaurants using local products or cruises to discover the estuary?
Contact the tourism offices or partner cruise companies:
Royan Atlantique Tourist Office
Your destination
Médoc Atlantique Tourist Office
Your destination
Croisières La Sirène
Your cruise
Vedettes La Bohême
Your cruiseYou like lighthouses? Discover the lighthouses of Gironde estuary that are open for visits
The road of lighthouses in Gironde
Read the publication
The lighthouse of the Coubre à la Tremblade
See the website
The lighthouse of Grave in Le Verdon-sur-Mer
See the website
Richard's lighthouse at Jau-Dignac-et-Loirac
See the website
The Vallières lighthouse at Saint-Georges-de-Didonne
See the website
The lighthouse of Patiras
To go further, Aquitaine offers itself to you
If the Cordouan lighthouse is the star of your stay, the region abounds in atypical and unexpected places that you will enjoy discovering with the help of our tourist partners.
Discover the treasures of New Aquitaine
Authentic vacations, must-see places, activities and good tips, practical information.
Discover the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region
Tourism in Gironde
Gironde Tourisme invites you to spend unforgettable moments. Bassin d’Arcachon, Bordeaux and its vineyards, Saint-Emilion, Sauternes… the choice is yours!
Discover the essentials of the Gironde
Visit the Charentes
Recharge your batteries by the ocean, explore a legendary vineyard, visit a listed heritage site, stroll through our charming villages, take advantage of our cycling routes, experience our major festivals…
Discover the essentials of the Charentes
Cycling, freewheeling the Atlantic!
The Vélodyssée is a bicycle route that crosses Brittany and follows the Atlantic Ocean to the Basque Coast. Get on your bikes and set off on a journey of more than 1200 km of bike touring with the ocean as a backdrop!
Pedal according to your desires
