To the north, the Valli\u00e8res cliff shelters the great conch of Saint-Georges. On this rugged cliff, the Valli\u00e8res lighthouse guards the entrance to the bay. port of Royan<\/a> on the Gironde estuary. It faces the Verdon-sur-Mer lighthouse on the Pointe de la Grave, on the other side of the estuary.<\/p>\n It was built between 1898 and 1902. It takes the form of a 36-metre-high square stone tower. Before it, an 8-metre high beacon tower was built in 1860 to guide ships into the port. Its height proved too low to be sufficient to ensure safe navigation in the estuary. The lighthouse was built close to this first building, but no trace of it remains as it was destroyed during the Second World War. The lighthouse was also damaged during the liberation of Royan<\/a>, It was restored after the war. It was electrified in 1947. In 1969, its usefulness was called into question by changes to the rules governing navigation on the estuary. It was then decommissioned.<\/p>\n A visit to the Valli\u00e8res lighthouse<\/a>, on the municipality of Saint-Georges-de-Didonne<\/a>, You can climb up to the top every day from mid-June to mid-September, from 10am to 12.30pm and from 3.30pm to 7pm. A climb of more than 140 steps promises a breathtaking view of the magnificent Gironde estuary. Every year, a drawing competition is held at the reception desk. The children's works are exhibited throughout the season in a room in the lighthouse. After your visit, you can take a stroll through the gardens of the estuary<\/a> and enjoy the exceptional wilderness setting of the Valli\u00e8res cliffs. From the camping Royan<\/a> The lighthouse is only 10 minutes away by car and 15 minutes by bike. If you've forgotten your bike, don't panic, you can always rent a bike in Saint-Georges-de-Didonne<\/a>.<\/p>\nA visit to the Valli\u00e8res lighthouse<\/h2>\n