Four hundred years ago, an extraordinary monument - the Cordouan lighthouse - was built near the mouth of Frances Gironde Estuary. Designed to guide ships at sea, but also to glorify king Henri III and his successor Henri IV, it was greeted as the eight wonder of the world. Even today, four centuries later, Frances first lighthouse continues to amaze visitors crossing between Royan and Verdon-sur-Mer.
Discover the history of Cordouan lighthouse through documents and virtual visit