Phare de Cordouan Patrimoine mondial de l'UNESCO

The Cordouan Lighthouse

Also known as the Versailles of the Seas, Cordouan's lighthouse built in 1611, has just been inscribed on the prestigious Unesco list.

Cordouan lighthouse staircase

Have you ever heard of the Cordouan Lighthouse? Seen a documentary on this architectural feat? For the past 400 years the Cordouan Lighthouse has stood proudly at the entrance to the Gironde Estuary, off the Verdon headland and the town of Royan. It is now on the Unesco World Heritage List.

Set off on an adventure through history! Let yourself be carried away by the amazing experience of a maritime gem, which has been classified as an Historic Monument for the past 150 years!

Before we go any further, here are the keys to help you plan your visit and get to the heart of the most incredible secrets.

When can we visit the Cordouan Lighthouse?

Cordouan Lighthouse

You can visit the Cordouan Lighthouse from April to Halloween guided by the keeper of this extraordinary building.

How can we visit the Cordouan Lighthouse?

Entrance to Cordouan lighthouse

Before you leave, remember to book your crossing with one of the cruise boat companies (ticket from €43/adult). Allow half a day, either morning or afternoon, to visit “The Versailles of the Seas”. Once you land, all you need to do is purchase an entrance ticket from the lighthouse keeper, (entrance ticket for the visit €7 to €15). Then you're all set for an unforgettable experience!

How can we get to the Cordouan Lighthouse?

Foot of Cordouan lighthouse

To get to the Cordouan Lighthouse, you need simply to board a cruise boat for a 40-minute crossing. The boat will drop you off as close to the lighthouse as possible, then you'll have a 10-minute walk to actually reach the building itself.

Be careful! Search for information about access to the site. This changes depending on the tides. Departure times for all the cruises are regularly updated. We also recommend you wear appropriate clothing for the outing because sometimes the water can rise to mid-thigh level during the last 10-minutes’ walking.

What will we find at the Cordouan Lighthouse?

From the top of Cordouan lighthouse

The visit to the Cordouan Lighthouse takes you through various different levels: the Girondins hall; the royal chapel and its fabulous stained-glass windows; the royal apartment... not to mention the breathtaking view once you get to the top of the 301 steps.

At the top of the Cordouan Lighthouse, you'll be able to enjoy an impressive view over land and sea - one of the most spectacular in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.

Every moment of the day gives you a different vision of the Cordouan Lighthouse and enhances it, thanks to the changing colours of the sky which mingle with the sea, from sunrise to sunset. Please enjoy this video of an evening musical set at the Cordouan Lighthouse, and we hope to see you there soon!

Phare de Cordouan 

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Plage océane du Grand Crohot

The beach of the surfers! On the ocean beach of Grand Crohot in Lège, one treads barefoot the wooden boards of the gratings all the year. A true small paradise for the amateurs of surfing! At the bottom of the beach, you will find restaurants, snacks as well as a surf school.

There is a call point to alert the emergency services. For people with reduced mobility, a tiralo is available in season.

Our beaches are fragile, the use of bicycles, one-wheels, fat-bikes, scooters, is authorized on the wet sand from 15/06 to 15/09 only, from sunrise to 11am. The use is forbidden on the whole dune and foot of the dune.

Wild camping, dogs (on the loose or on a leash), the use of sound devices and instruments, garbage dumping, and the use of fire during the day and at night are prohibited.

Grand Crohot Lège-Océan 33950 LEGE-CAP-FERRET
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ESGC - Ecole de Surf du Grand Crohot

On the Grand Crohot beach, facing the spot, the surf school team, certified by the French Surfing Federation, offers many formulas to get into the adventure of surfing. Discovery sessions, more or less long courses, it's up to each one's desires.

Plage du Grand Crohot Lège 33950 LEGE-CAP-FERRET
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ESGC - Ecole de Surf du Grand Grohot

On the beach of Grand Crohot, in front of the spot, the surf school team proposes the rental of surfing equipment.

Plage du Grand Crohot Lège 33950 LEGE-CAP-FERRET
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Surf Club de la Presqu'île

In the beach of Grand Crohot in Lège, the House of the Glide and its team of the Surf Club make you share their passion of the sports of glide. Surf, bodyboard, stand-up paddle, longboard, all the year you have the possibility of following here sessions of discovery, courses and training courses of improvement, individual or collective trainings. There are also formulas for the youngest from 6 years old
If you don't have your own equipment, the club puts some at your disposal. Supervision : First and second degree state diplomas.

Maison de la Glisse Le Grand Crohot 33950 LEGE-CAP-FERRET
Du 15/01/2024 au 15/12/2024
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Camping Brémontier

At the foot of the ocean beaches of Grand Crohot in Lège, the Brémontier campsite is in perfect harmony with its natural surroundings. It has resisted the trend of solid accommodations and exclusively offers pitches for tents, caravans, and tent rentals, with electricity and nearby sanitary facilities, all under the shade of pine trees. The vast, supervised beach is only 400 meters away, and the seaside holiday activities are not far: restaurants and snack bars in Grand Crohot that host evening events, surf schools, bike rentals, and the villages of the peninsula or the basin beaches! These can be quickly reached by car or, better yet, by bike, using the cycle path located at the campsite's entrance.

Le Grand Crohot Océan Lège 33950 LEGE-CAP-FERRET
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Plage naturiste de La Jenny

The beach of La Jenny is exclusively naturist. Here, no bathing suit, we take advantage of this protected space to perfect its integral tanning. The large expanse of sand allows everyone to find their place of relaxation.

For sports lovers, various activities are offered: surfing, body-boarding ... If you like thrills, to the north of the beach, surfers and kitesurfers slide. You can take surfing lessons if you feel like taming the waves!

In the south, swimming is supervised from June to September for the safety of children and adults.

La Jenny 33680 LE PORGE
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