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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Camping Oléron Loisirs

For the ideal vacation with family or friends, the camp site Oléron loisirs invites you to escape to Charente-Maritime. Discover our quality infrastructure and the many services and activities provided for our campers. The whole family will benefit from a large water park covering over 700m² with a heated indoor pool, a waterslide and a telescopic shelter. The younger guests can play safely in the paddling pool. Nearby, you will not fail to discover a well-preserved natural setting. Marshes and nature reserves await you as well as forests and monuments. There are no less than 25 quiet and secure beaches to welcome you for guaranteed fun moments. For your accommodation, the camp site Oléron loisirs offers a wide range of comfortable rentals. You can choose from the rental of mobile homes, cottages or tented bungalows. For lovers of nature and traditional camping, we also offer camping pitches for your caravan, camper or tent. For sportsmen, there are plenty of activities near the campsite: surfing of course, diving, water sports ... There's something for everyone !

lieu dit "La Jousselinière" 17190 Saint-Georges-d'Oléron
Du 08/04/2023 au 17/09/2023
- Infiniment Charentes -
- Infiniment Charentes -
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Camping Ostréa

By the sea, on the most typical coast of the island of Oléron, campsite Ostrea **** is known for calm, cleanliness and warm welcome. Swimingpool covered and heated to 28° all season. On site, many services will be offered: Animation for adults and children, shop, snack bar, barbecue, gas supply, babysiiting, laundry, bike rental, rent caravans and mobilhomes, campsite tents, caravans and Camping-car ... Discover Oléron Island with its natural land, its many attractions without forgetting the tasting of oysters Oléron Marennes !

Route des Huîtres 17550 Dolus-d'Oléron
Du 08/04/2023 au 22/10/2023
- Infiniment Charentes -
- Infiniment Charentes -
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Camping La Brande

Ile d'Oléron: 2.5 km from Chateau d'Oleron on the "Oyster Road" and 300m from a small high tide beach, Bird-watching. The campsite and the covered and heated swimming pool are open from April The 2nd to October the 31st. direct access to bicycle paths. Electric vehicle charging and Tesla on site. A personalized welcome to enjoy an ideal experience and setting, on a landscaped park of 5.8 hectares with 199 spaces. Free WiFi hotspot. For the well-being of campers but also for the respect of nature, the environmental commitment of camping La Brande has been rewarded with the European Ecolabel. Also selected by the charters: Quality Tourism, Tourism and Disability and Family Plus, we offer you the rental of chalets, mobile homes or free pitches.

Route des Huîtres 17480 Le Château-d'Oléron
Du 07/04/2023 au 30/06/2023
- Infiniment Charentes -
- Infiniment Charentes -
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Fort Boyard

The Fort Boyard is a key element of the Naval Dockyard of Rochefort which extends all along the estuary of the Charente.
Visits to the interior of the fort are not permitted.
If the construction of this fortification on the "Longe of Boyard" was considered as early as the seventeenth century, the project only really started in the course of the 19th century. Built with the aim of protecting the harbor, the mouth of the Charente and especially the large dockayrd of Rochefort from the assaults of the English navy, the Fort was transformed into a prison a few years after its completion.

The Fort has been classified as an historic monument since 1950.

The Fort is 68 metres long on 31 metres large, for a total surface area of 2689 square metres. The surrounding walls peak at 20 metres. The fort is also built on a sandbak called "Longe of Boyard" which gave its name to the Fort itself.

Since 1990, Fort Boyard has been the location of a television game of the same name.

Located between the islands of Aix and Oléron, the Fort Boyard is part of the territory of Rochefort-Océan. Many departures of cruises are possible to bypass the Fort (from Port-des-Barques, Fouras-les-Bains or the Island of Aix).

There is a charge for the boat tour of the fort.

Longe de Boyard 17123 Île-d'Aix
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Cercle Nautique de l'Ile d'Aix : sailing school

French Sailing School.
The "Cercle Nautique de l'Ile d'Aix" is a sailing club welcoming you to a wide range of sailing activities!
-> First trip: an introduction to sailing of all kinds with an instructor
-> Sailing courses for ages 5 and over
-> Trimaran trip for 5 to 6 people (including instructor)
-> Introduction to the sea world: an educational visit to the foreshore
-> Groups welcome
-> Standup paddleboard, single or double kayak, Catamaran F1 rentals
Have fun with your family or friends.
The CNIA now has a MEGA SUP AIR (paddleboard for several people), available for rent from Monday to Saturday.

Fort de la rade 17123 Île-d'Aix
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Beach of Anse de la Croix

Ideal beach for sunbathing or swimming in the sea.
Overlooking the lighthouse of the island of Aix, this charming beach is located near the pier. Its intimate looks and its panorama of Fort Boyard make it a pleasant place to swim. Sandy beach, accessible to any tide, with a unique view of Fort Boyard.

Anse de la Croix 17123 Île-d'Aix
Du 29/08/2022 au 30/06/2023
- Infiniment Charentes -
- Infiniment Charentes -