{"id":5834,"date":"2023-06-01T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-01T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oceanvacances.com\/?p=5834"},"modified":"2025-11-21T12:09:11","modified_gmt":"2025-11-21T11:09:11","slug":"cordouan-lighthouse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.oceanvacances.com\/en\/cordouan-lighthouse\/","title":{"rendered":"Cordouan lighthouse"},"content":{"rendered":"

For your next family or romantic getaway in Charente-Maritime, treat yourself to an unforgettable holiday by the ocean at Saint Georges de Didone. Stay at the heart of an establishment offering a campsite near Royan<\/a>, A hotel and a number of g\u00eetes. In addition to its luxury accommodation, water park and other leisure facilities, Oc\u00e9an Vacances provides easy access to the region's tourist and historical sites, such as the Cordouan lighthouse<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

History of the lighthouse<\/h2>\n

Located at the mouth of the Gironde estuary<\/strong>, in south-west France, the Cordouan lighthouse<\/strong> is built on a rocky plateau.<\/p>\n

Built between 1584 and 1611, the lighthouse has been modified and restored many times over the centuries. In 1682, it was damaged by fire and had to be rebuilt. In 1724, its tower was raised to its current height of 67 m. Later, in 1793, during the French Revolution, it was rebuilt. used as a prison<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

During the 19th century, safety measures were put in place to protect sailors, such as the installation of a rotating light and a foghorn. In 1862, the lighthouse was modernised and fitted with electricity. During the Second World War, it was used as a observatory and defence post<\/strong>. In 2009, UNESCO inscribed the world heritage lighthouse<\/strong> to recognise its cultural and historical importance<\/strong>. Today, the Cordouan lighthouse<\/strong> is still in operation and is managed by the Lighthouses and Beacons Service of the South Atlantic Interregional Sea Directorate<\/strong>. It is also open to tourists during the summer season.<\/p>\n